The AFL is set to consider shortening its pre-season in an effort to reduce injuries to key players before the regular season begins. Football operations boss Steve Hocking confirmed that the league's competition committee will evaluate options, including extending the off-season break for players.
Under current rules, teams that missed the finals can bring first- to fourth-year players back in early November, with senior players joining two weeks later. The AFL also enforced a three-week shutdown over Christmas last year, up from two weeks previously. However, concerns over the structure and length of the pre-season have prompted a review.
The Age reported last month that the overall injury rate spiked by 20% in 2018. Hocking noted that injuries during February are a major concern for the industry. 'We've got to get better at that and make sure they get the ideal preparation leading into a season so we've got the best players available to play the best games,' he said.
Hocking has asked club high-performance managers to evaluate options and report back to the committee, which includes players, coaches, club presidents and other officials. Each team currently plays two formal pre-season games, with some also using informal practice matches.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, a committee member, acknowledged that injuries are unavoidable. 'Us coaches, we just hold our breath during the months of February and March that we don't get those injuries. But you can't avoid them,' he said.
