Australian Football League Players Research Articles

Hamstring and knee injuries are associated with isometric hip and trunk muscle strength in elite Australian Rules and Rugby League players

ObjectivesThis study investigated relationships between isometric trunk and hip extensor strength, lumbar muscle morphology, and the risk of hamstring and knee ligament injuries in Australian Football League and National Rugby League players. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsTrunk and hip extensor strength, multifidus and quadratus lumborum cross-sectional area were measured during the 2020 pre-season. Logistic regressions and decision trees were employed to explore associations between maximum strength, strength endurance, multifidus and quadratus lumborum cross-sectional area, age, previous injuries, and hamstring and knee ligament injury risk. ResultsGreater strength endurance [odds ratio = 0.42 (0.23–0.74), p = 0.004] and maximum strength [odds ratio = 0.55 (0.31–0.94), p = 0.039] reduced hamstring injury risk. Increased risk of knee ligament injuries was associated with larger multifidus [odds ratio = 1.66 (1.14–2.45), p = 0.008] and higher multifidus to quadratus lumborum ratio (odds ratio = 1.57 (1.13–2.23), p = 0.008]. Decision tree models indicated that low strength endurance (< 99 Nm) characterised hamstring strains, while high (≥ 1.33) multifidus to quadratus lumborum ratio mitigated risk. Knee ligament injuries were associated with larger (≥ 8.49 cm2) multifidus, greater (≥ 1.25) multifidus to quadratus lumborum ratio, and lower maximum strength (< 9.24 N/kg). ConclusionsPlayers with lower trunk and hip extensor maximum strength and strength endurance had increased risk of hamstring injuries, while knee ligament injury risk was elevated with larger multifidus cross-sectional area, higher multifidus to quadratus lumborum ratio, and lower maximum trunk and hip extensor strength.

Associations between hamstring strain and knee ligament injuries with isometric trunk and hip strength and morphology in professional Australian rules football and rugby league players

Associations between hamstring strain and knee ligament injuries with isometric trunk and hip strength and morphology in professional Australian rules football and rugby league players

Coaching legacies: influence propagation through temporal social networks in the Australian Football League.

We study the lineage network of coaches in the Australian Football League (AFL) using a novel process of influence propagation through temporal social networks. Coaching and being coached are considered major opportunities for learning, and the vast majority of AFL coaches are former AFL players. We, therefore, establish influence via two antagonistic components: as players, future coaches are influenced by their coaches, and later liberate themselves from these influences while being coaches themselves. Influence thus propagates through time-dependent player-coach relationships, and we obtain a ranking of coaches by their aggregated influence on others. In addition to being based on an explicit process, we argue that the ranking has face validity, because it indeed favors highly reputed coaches, and is not determined by temporal or activity indicators such as the starting year of a coaching career, its length, or the number of future coaches coached.

What is the Prevalence of General Anxiety Disorder and Depression Symptoms in Semi-elite Australian Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundThe prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in semi-elite Australian footballers is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive symptoms in semi-elite Australian Football players. Our secondary objective was to explore the association between demographic and football-specific factors with GAD and depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional epidemiological study including 369 semi-elite Western Australian Football League (WAFL) players from the Men and Women’s 2022 season (n = 337 men, 91%) was conducted. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9) and symptoms of GAD with the GAD-7 scale.ResultsOur response rate was 82.9%. Thirteen players had missing data. The prevalence of GAD symptoms was 8.5% in men and 28.6% in women (10% overall). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 20% in men and 57% in women (23% overall). Being a woman (gender) was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of GAD and/or depression symptoms [odds ratio (OR): 7.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18–16.92; p < 0.001]. Players of ‘Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander’ ethnicity were two times more likely to report GAD and/or depression symptoms in comparison to players of ‘Australian’ ethnicity (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.01–4.49; p = 0.048). Concussion history was not a significant risk factor for GAD or depression symptoms.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that approximately 1 in 10 WAFL players met the diagnostic cut-off criteria for probable GAD, and 1 in 5 for probable depression. The prevalence for depression symptoms in this study were far higher than the national average in the comparative age bracket. WAFL women’s players also reported a substantially higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than men, and should be further investigated as a priority by the WAFL.

Anticipatory effects on side-step cutting biomechanics in Women’s Australian Football League players

ObjectivesReactive side-step cutting manoeuvres are linked to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Women’s Australian Football League (AFLW) matches. We explored knee joint moments and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in...

Relationships between contract status and player performance in the Australian Football League

ABSTRACT This study analysed the extent to which player performance differs within the Australian Football League (AFL) with respect to the status of a player’s contract. AFL Player Ratings (AFLPR) and contract data were obtained during the 2013–2020 AFL seasons for all 827 players listed by an AFL club at the beginning of the 2020 season. A model of “expected performance” was created allowing for an exploration into the differential with actual performance as a function of contract status. Paired t-tests indicated that there was a difference in performance pre- and post-signing their contract for players who signed mid-season (mean change and 95% confidence interval of −1.48 ± 0.93 and −0.49 ± 0.48 AFLPR, at ten match intervals for those in- and out-of-contract at the conclusion of that year’s season, respectively). Further differences existed between the groups of players who signed mid-season, as compared to those who signed during the off-season. Correlation analyses indicated that more consistent performers are somewhat less likely to see a reduction in performance post signing as compared to less consistent performers. The applications of these findings have the potential to support organisational decisions relating to the timing and nature of player contracting.

Post-game recovery of isometric hamstring strength in a high-risk hamstring strain injury group throughout an Australian Football League season

ABSTRACT This study sought to investigate post-game hamstring strength recovery of 26 Australian Football League (AFL) players with a previous hamstring strain injury (HSI) across an AFL season. Maximal unilateral isometric knee flexion strength was assessed using an externally fixed dynamometer, and inter-session reliability was measured during the pre-season period. Linear mixed effects models investigated the influence of numerous variables on post-game hamstring strength decrement (relative change between initial weekly test and individual baseline) and individual within-week strength change following gameplay. The test demonstrated good inter-tester reliability (ICC = 0.81–0.88; CV = 6.73–7.33), and an acceptable level of error (MAE = 5.77–7.14%). Player as a random effect strongly influenced post-game strength decrement and within-week strength change (marginal R2 = 0.185–0.407; conditional R2 = 0.455–0.654). Within-week hamstring strength change was strongly determined by post-game strength decrement alone (estimate = 0.51, 95% CI = -0.66- -0.36 ; η2 = 0.32; P=<0.001) and in interaction with number of days post-game (estimate = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.20–0.66; η2 = 0.096; P=<0.001). This study shows the importance of early individual assessment of post-game hamstring strength in players with prior hamstring injury and could be valuable to inform post-game hamstring recovery in future applications.

Anticipatory Effects on Side-Step Cutting Biomechanics in Women’s Australian Football League Players

Introduction: Reactive side-step cutting manoeuvres are a common task linked to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Women’s Australian Football League (AFLW) matches. Knee loads associated with increased ACL loading and strain are typically elevated when performing unanticipated versus anticipated changes of direction. We explored knee joint moments and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in AFLW players when performing anticipated and unanticipated side-step cuts.

Epidemiology of quadriceps muscle strain injuries in elite Australian rules football players.

INTRODUCTION: Quadriceps muscle strain injuries are prevalent in the Australian Football League (AFL) with each team recording 1-2 new quadriceps strain injuries per season. Little is known about the epidemiology and recovery time frames for quadriceps muscle strain injuries especially when compared to other common muscle injuries in football. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of quadriceps muscle strain injuries in AFL players. We also aimed to describe recovery milestones and to investigate the influence of clinical factors such as injury type (index or re injury), the primary muscle injured, and the mechanism of injury on recovery timeframes.

The relationships between low back pain and morphology of the spine and trunk muscles in players from the Australian Football League

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is common amongst Australian football players and is associated with increased risk of injury. Differences in trunk muscle size, as well as sagittal spinal posture have been observed between athletes with and without LBP within various sports. However, little is known about the relationship these factors have with LBP in players from the Australian Football League (AFL). The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the trunk muscles and sagittal spinal posture in AFL players with and without LBP.

Pre-season body composition has minimal influence on in-season match availability, and match performance in female Australian Football League (AFLW) players.

This study examined the relationship between pre-season body composition, in-season match performance, and match availability in female players competing in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition. With the outlawing of body composition assessments as part of pre-draft player evaluations in the AFLW, this study seeks to examine whether this is justified. Twenty-two (n = 22) players had body composition assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the beginning of the 2021 AFLW pre-season (whole-body and regional fat mass and lean soft-tissue mass [LSTM]). In-season match availability and match performance data (Coaches Score [CS], Champion Data Player Rank, average disposals, disposal and kicking efficiency) were collected throughout the 2021 competition. Pearson correlations were performed to assess if associations existed between body composition and in-season match performance and availability. A median split was performed to divide players into higher and lower performing groups for match performance variables. Two-sample independent t-tests were then used to assess differences between groups. No body composition characteristics could differentiate between in-season match availability groups (100% availability vs. <100% availability) or higher and lower performing groups for all match performance variables. Total leg LSTM asymmetry shared a moderate negative association with CS. Body composition may not be important for determining in-season match availability and performance in female AFLW players. Thus, the repercussions following the removal of pre-draft body composition assessments across the league may not be as significant as is currently perceived. Other physiological, biomechanical, or performance qualities are more variable and may mask the effect of body composition in these players. AFLW practitioners should prioritize the development of other important attributes, such as aerobic fitness, muscular strength and power, and technical skill.

Genetic Variants within NOGGIN, COL1A1, COL5A1, and IGF2 are Associated with Musculoskeletal Injuries in Elite Male Australian Football League Players: A Preliminary Study

IntroductionAustralian Football is a dynamic team sport that requires many athletic traits to succeed. Due to this combination of traits, as well as technical skill and physicality, there are many types of injuries that could occur. Injuries are not only a hindrance to the individual player, but to the team as a whole. Many strength and conditioning personnel strive to minimise injuries to players to accomplish team success.PurposeTo investigate whether selected polymorphisms have an association with injury occurrence in elite male Australian Football players.MethodsUsing DNA obtained from 46 elite male players, we investigated the associations of injury-related polymorphisms across multiple genes (ACTN3, CCL2, COL1A1, COL5A1, COL12A1, EMILIN1, IGF2, NOGGIN, SMAD6) with injury incidence, severity, type (contact and non-contact), and tissue (muscle, bone, tendon, ligament) over 7 years in one Australian Football League team.ResultsA significant association was observed between the rs1372857 variant in NOGGIN (p = 0.023) and the number of total muscle injuries, with carriers of the GG genotype having a higher estimated number of injuries, and moderate, or combined moderate and high severity rated total muscle injuries. The COL5A1 rs12722TT genotype also had a significant association (p = 0.028) with the number of total muscle injuries. The COL5A1 variant also had a significant association with contact bone injuries (p = 0.030), with a significant association being found with moderate rated injuries. The IGF2 rs3213221-CC variant was significantly associated with a higher estimated number of contact tendon injuries per game (p = 0.028), while a higher estimated number of total ligament (p = 0.019) and non-contact ligament (p = 0.002) injuries per game were significantly associated with carriage of the COL1A1 rs1800012-TT genotype.ConclusionsOur preliminary study is the first to examine associations between genetic variants and injury in Australian Football. NOGGIN rs1372857-GG, COL5A1 rs12722-TT, IGF2 rs3213221-CC, and COL1A1 rs1800012-TT genotypes held various associations with muscle-, bone-, tendon- and ligament-related injuries of differing severities. To further increase our understanding of these, and other, genetic variant associations with injury, competition-wide AFL studies that use more players and a larger array of gene candidates is essential.

Characterising lower-body musculoskeletal morphology and whole-body composition of elite female and male Australian Football players

BackgroundPhysical demands and injury rates differ between elite female and male Australian Football (AF) players. To improve understanding of contributing physical factors to these differences, the purpose of this study was to investigate lower-body morphology and whole-body composition of elite footballers competing in the Australian Football League (AFL) and Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW).MethodsLower-body morphology and whole-body composition of 23 AFL players and 23 AFLW players were assessed using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography and Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry at the beginning of pre-season. Differences between cohorts, with sub-analyses of kicking vs. support limbs, and experienced vs. inexperienced player status were assessed using two-sample independent t-tests. Magnitude of differences were assessed using Cohen’s d effect sizes.ResultsAFL players had greater absolute (p < 0.001; ES = 3.28) and relative (p < 0.001; ES = 2.29) whole body lean soft-tissue mass, with less absolute (p = 0.004; ES = 0.91) and relative (p < 0.001; ES = 2.29) fat mass than AFLW players. For AFLW players, no significant differences existed between kicking and support limbs with few differences observed between experienced and inexperienced players.ConclusionsGreater emphasis on physical development in AFLW players may be required to enable increases in muscle mass and skeletal robustness, to ensure they can tolerate the loads of elite competition.

Video Analysis of Pectoralis Major Injuries in Professional Australian Football Players.

Background:There is little evidence regarding the mechanisms of pectoralis major (PM) injury and player outcomes in Australian Football League (AFL) players.Purposes/Hypothesis:The study aims were to investigate (1) the mechanisms of PM muscle injury in elite AFL players via video analysis and (2) the player profile, method of management, and clinical outcomes of the PM injuries sustained. We hypothesized that the majority of PM tears would occur in outer-range PM positions (hyperextension of the glenohumeral joint).Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We analyzed video of the precipitating event for traumatic PM injuries during AFL competition or training over a 20-year period (2002-2021). The footage was analyzed by 4 experienced assessors, and the following were evaluated: mechanism of injury, injury variables (arm position, initial contact point, visual awareness, and use of taping), player characteristics (age at the time of injury, hand dominance, and history of injury), injury profile (location and size of tear), method of management (operative vs nonoperative), patient outcomes (time to return to full senior training/match play), and complication rates.Results:The mean ± standard deviation age of the players was 26.5 ± 3.1 years (range, 21-32 years). Overall, 22 PM injuries were identified in the AFL injury database for a rate of 1.1 per year; 16 of these injuries had accompanying video footage. We identified 3 mechanisms for PM injury: horizontal hyperextension (62.5%), hyperflexion-abduction (25.0%), and horizontal adduction (sustained tackling; 12.5%). The most common site of the tear was the insertion point of the sternocostal head (91.0%). Twenty players (91.0%) required surgical repair, with 75% undergoing surgery within 1 week (range, 0-26 weeks). The mean return to competition for the surgical repair group was 11.1 weeks (range, 8-15 weeks). The rerupture rate was 5.0% (1 repair; <4 weeks postoperatively in 2004).Conclusion:PM tears in elite male AFL players were due to 1 of 3 distinct mechanisms: horizontal hyperextension, hyperflexion-abduction, and horizontal adduction (sustained tackling). Players returned to play on average 11 weeks after injury. Knowledge regarding mechanisms of injury, player profile, and return-to-sport timelines is important for appropriate medical management and provides potential areas to target for prevention of PM injuries.

White matter abnormalities characterize the acute stage of sports-related mild traumatic brain injury.

Sports-related concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury, is characterized by transient disturbances of brain function. There is increasing evidence that functional brain changes may be driven by subtle abnormalities in white matter microstructure, and diffusion MRI has been instrumental in demonstrating these white matter abnormalities in vivo. However, the reported location and direction of the observed white matter changes in mild traumatic brain injury are variable, likely attributable to the inherent limitations of the white matter models used. This cross-sectional study applies an advanced and robust technique known as fixel-based analysis to investigate fibre tract-specific abnormalities in professional Australian Football League players with a recent mild traumatic brain injury. We used the fixel-based analysis framework to identify common abnormalities found in specific fibre tracts in participants with an acute injury (≤12 days after injury; n = 14). We then assessed whether similar changes exist in subacute injury (>12 days and <3 months after injury; n = 15). The control group was 29 neurologically healthy control participants. We assessed microstructural differences in fibre density and fibre bundle morphology and performed whole-brain fixel-based analysis to compare groups. Subsequent tract-of-interest analyses were performed within five selected white matter tracts to investigate the relationship between the observed tract-specific abnormalities and days since injury and the relationship between these tract-specific changes with cognitive abnormalities. Our whole-brain analyses revealed significant increases in fibre density and bundle cross-section in the acute mild traumatic brain injury group when compared with controls. The acute mild traumatic brain injury group showed even more extensive differences when compared with the subacute injury group than with controls. The fibre structures affected in acute concussion included the corpus callosum, left prefrontal and left parahippocampal white matter. The fibre density and cross-sectional increases were independent of time since injury in the acute injury group, and were not associated with cognitive deficits. Overall, this study demonstrates that acute mild traumatic brain injury is characterized by specific white matter abnormalities, which are compatible with tract-specific cytotoxic oedema. These potential oedematous changes were absent in our subacute mild traumatic brain injury participants, suggesting that they may normalize within 12 days after injury, although subtle abnormalities may persist in the subacute stage. Future longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate individualized recovery after brain injury.

Nordic strength and history of hamstring injury in Australian Football League players

ObjectivesCompare hamstring strength between Australian Football League (AFL) players with and without a prior hamstring injury and determine the effect of the number of previous hamstring injuries, time since the last injury, and injury severity, on hamstring strength. DesignCross-sectional, retrospective. SettingAFL clubs. Participants124 AFL players. Main outcome measuresBilateral hamstring strength was assessed on a Nordbord (Vald Performance) during the Nordic Hamstring Exercise. Self-reported questionnaires were used to record previous hamstring injuries. Players were categorized into No Injury or Hamstring Injury groups. Previously injured players were subgrouped based on number of prior hamstring injuries (single or multiple), time since the last hamstring injury (≤1 or > 1-year ago), and hamstring injury severity (≤3 or > 3 matches missed). Results19 hamstring injuries were reported. Hamstring strength was not different between players with and without a history of hamstring injury when assessed in absolute (N) or relative (i.e., N.kg−1) terms. No differences in strength were detected between hamstring injury subgroups when assessed in absolute or relative terms. ConclusionsAFL players that experienced a previous hamstring injury did not exhibit deficits in hamstring strength relative to their uninjured limb or players without a previous hamstring injury.

Return to Play After Surgical Treatment of High-Grade Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries in the Australian Football League.

Background:Acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries are the second most common upper limb injuries in the Australian Football League (AFL); however, there is little evidence on the return-to-sport results after surgical stabilization of the ACJ in this sporting population.Purpose:To investigate the return-to-sport time, on-field performance, and patient-reported outcomes in a series of professional AFL players after undergoing ACJ stabilization.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:We conducted a retrospective case series of all AFL players who had undergone open twin-tailed dog-bone ACJ stabilization by a single surgeon between September 2013 and April 2017. Outcome measures included time to return to sport, on-field performance indicators (handballs, tackles, kicks, and AFL Fantasy and Supercoach scores), the Nottingham Clavicle Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, and the Specific Acromioclavicular Score. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at a minimum follow-up of 12 months.Results:Of 13 senior listed AFL players who underwent twin-tailed dog-bone surgery, 9 players were included. Mean follow-up was 24.8 months (range, 5-41 months) postoperatively. Mean return-to-sport time was 8.6 weeks for injuries that occurred within the season. The number of kicks, marks, handballs, and tackles as well as AFL Supercoach and Fantasy scores did not significantly change after surgery (P > .05). Outcome measures showed a high level of patient satisfaction after surgery, with a mean Nottingham Clavicle Score of 92.2, Oxford Shoulder Score of 47.7, and the Specific Acromioclavicular Score of 7.5.Conclusion:In a collective of professional AFL players with ACJ injury, our twin-tailed dog-bone technique revealed return to competitive play could be achieved at a mean of 8.6 weeks without compromising on-field performance or patient-reported pain, function, and satisfaction.

Evening Whey Protein Intake, Rich in Tryptophan, and Sleep in Elite Male Australian Rules Football Players on Training and Nontraining Days.

To investigate the effect of evening whey protein supplementation, rich in tryptophan, on sleep in elite male Australian Rules Football players. Double-blinded, counterbalanced, randomized, cross-over study. Sleep was assessed using wrist activity monitors and sleep diaries in 15 elite male Australian Football League players on two training and nontraining days following evening consumption of an isocaloric whey protein supplement or placebo in preseason. A 5-day preintervention period was implemented to determine habitual dietary intake and baseline sleep measures. These habitual data were used to inform the daily dietary intake and timing of ingestion of the evening whey protein supplement or placebo on the intervention days. The whey protein supplement or placebo was consumed 3hr prior to habitual bedtime. Separate one-way repeated-measures analyses of covariance revealed no differences between the whey protein supplement and the placebo on sleep duration, sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, or wake after sleep onset on either training or nontraining days. Evening whey protein supplementation, rich in tryptophan, does not improve acute sleep duration or quality in elite male Australian Football League players. However, elite athletes may be able to ingest a high protein/energy intake close to bedtime without impairing sleep, which is important for athlete recovery. Future research should investigate the effect of evening protein intake, high in tryptophan, on sleep duration and quality, including sleep staging during periods of restricted sleep and in poor-sleeping athletes.

Predicting Noncontact Lower Limb Injury Using Lumbar Morphology in Professional Australian Football and Rugby League Players.

Noncontact lower limb injuries are common within the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL). Smaller (<8.5 cm2) lumbar multifidus at the fifth vertebra (LM L5) and larger (>8.2 cm2) quadratus lumborum (QL) cross-sectional area (CSA) have been associated with increased noncontact lower limb injury risk in AFL players. These associations have not been explored in an NRL cohort. This study will attempt to replicate previous research findings by confirming that muscle morphology is associated with noncontact lower limb injury. AFL (n = 87) and NRL (n = 151) players underwent LM L2-L5 and QL CSA ultrasound measures during preseason. Each club's medical staff reported all noncontact lower limb injuries sustained in the subsequent regular season. LM and QL CSA, age, body mass index, and noncontact lower limb injuries were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Seventy-two players sustained a noncontact lower limb injury in the 2020 regular season (AFL = 21, NRL = 51). The multivariable logistic regression (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.85; P = 0.038) identified AFL players with larger QL CSA at increased risk of sustaining a noncontact lower limb injury during the regular season, but no relationship was found for LM CSA and noncontact lower limb injuries in the AFL (OR = 1.01; 95% CI, 0.36-2.78; P = 0.591) or NRL (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.29-1.33; P = 0.149). AFL players who sustained regular season noncontact lower limb injuries had larger QL CSA in preseason tests. No significant associations between either LM L5 CSA or LM L5 to QL ratio and regular season noncontact lower limb injuries were found.

Relationships between trunk morphology and strength with non-contact lower limb injuries in elite rugby league and Australian football players

Background: Non-contact lower limb injuries (NCLLI) are common within the National Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Football League (AFL). Smaller lumbar multifidus at L5 (LM L5) cross-sectional area (CSA) and lower levels of trunk and hip extension and knee flexion strength have been associated with increased NCLLI risk in AFL players. However, such associations have not been reported in the NRL. This study aims to explore relationships between NCLLI, trunk morphology and isometric trunk and hip extension strength in NRL and AFL players. Methods: NRL and AFL players had their LM L2-L5 and quadratus lumborum (QL) CSA (n=238), and isometric trunk and hip extension strength (n=153) measured using ultrasonography and a novel field-based test in preseason. Isometric trunk and hip extensor strength were measured using a 65s maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) protocol (5s MVIC, 5s off, 45s MVIC, 5s off, 5s MVIC). Team medical staff reported all NCLLIs sustained in the subsequent competitive season. The associations between LM and QL CSA, 5s and 45s MVIC, age, and previous injury, and prospectively occurring NCLLI were analysed using univariable and then multivariable logistic regression. Logistic regression analysis was also performed for the most sustained NCLLI (hamstring and knee). Results: Seventy-two players sustained a NCLLI in the 2020 competitive seasons (51 NRL, 21 AFL). From univariable logistic regression previous injury increased the risk of any NCLLI in NRL (OR=2.43, 95%CI=1.16-5.09, p=0.019). Reduced 5s MVIC (OR=1.00, 95%CI=1.00-1.01, p=0.012), increased QL CSA (OR=1.55, 95%CI=1.05-2.38, p=0.033) and lower ratio between LM and QL CSA (OR=0.03, 95%CI=0.01-0.60, p=0.02) increased NCLLI risk in AFL. Pooled hamstring injuries (n=28) were most common and were associated with lower 5s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.02) and 45s MVIC (OR=0.99, 95%CI=0.99-1.00, p=0.001). Pooled knee injuries (n=21) were associated with both reduced LM CSA (OR=1.35, 95%CI=1.08-1.70, p=0.018) and LM to QL ratio (OR=3.62, 95%CI=1.41- 9.66, p=0.043). Conclusions: Larger QL CSA and reduced levels of trunk and hip extension strength are observed in AFL players in preseason who sustain a NCLLI in the subsequent playing season. Only previous NCLLI was associated with future risk of NCLLI for NRL players. These results suggest that risk factors for NCLLI are football code specific, and prevention strategies should be tailored accordingly. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest relevant to the submission of this abstract.