Abstract
BackgroundAustralian football (AF) players require endurance, strength, speed, and agility to be successful. Tests assessing physical characteristics are commonly used for talent identification; however, their ability to differentiate between players across the Australian Football League’s (AFL) participation pathway remains unclear. The objective of this review was to quantify the physical characteristics of male AF players across the AFL participation pathway.MethodsA search of databases was undertaken. Studies examining tests of physical performance were included, with 27 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study appraisal was conducted using a checklist of selection criteria.ResultsThe 20-m sprint time was the most reported test, followed by vertical jump (VJ), AFL planned agility, and 20-m multi-stage fitness test (MSFT). The fastest times for 20-m sprint were for Elite AFL players (range 2.94–3.13 s), with local-level players the slowest (3.22–4.06 s). State Junior Under (U) 18s (58–66 cm) had higher jumps than senior players, with the lowest jumps reported for Local U10s (mean 31 cm). No elite-level data were reported for the AFL planned agility or 20-m MSFT. AFL planned agility times were only reported for talent pathway levels, with large performance variability evident across all levels (8.17–9.12 s). Only mean 20-m MSFT scores were reported from Local U10s to National Draft Camp (6.10–13.50 shuttles).ConclusionsTalent pathway players exhibit similar mean test scores irrespective of the physical test, with the exception of 20-m sprint and VJ. Physical tests can discriminate between local participation level players but are less useful within the AFL talent pathway.
Highlights
Australian football (AF) players require endurance, strength, speed, and agility to be successful
Player data was obtained from the following Australian Football League (AFL) participation pathway levels: ‘Elite AFL’, ‘Senior State’, ‘National Draft Camp’, ‘National Championship’, ‘State Junior U18’, ‘Private School’, and Local ‘U19’, ‘U18’, ‘U17’, ‘U15’, ‘U13’, ‘U11’, and ‘U10’
The physical tests reported in this review are currently used to assess physical characteristics of players and their subsequent progress through the AFL participation pathway
Summary
Australian football (AF) players require endurance, strength, speed, and agility to be successful. Tests assessing physical characteristics are commonly used for talent identification; their ability to differentiate between players across the Australian Football League’s (AFL) participation pathway remains unclear. Australian football (AF) is a popular team sport in Australia, with selection of players across the participation pathway partially based on physical characteristics and subjective evaluation of playing ability [1]. Haycraft et al Sports Medicine - Open (2017) 3:46 These tests form part of the annual Australian Football League (AFL) National Draft Combine, where players are evaluated prior to the National Draft. Small-tomoderate (r = 0.27–0.31) positive relationships between physical fitness and career progression have been reported in various AF player cohorts [9] These physical assessments have been primarily conducted to inform the selection of players for professional contracts and specific positions, and to elucidate longitudinal recruiting trends [14]
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