Junior Australian Football Players Research Articles

Changes in injury and illness incidence and burden in elite junior male Australian footballers over a 6–year period

ObjectivesThe study aimed to determine a contemporary multi-year junior Australian football (AF) injury and illness profile and secondly, explore changes in incidence and burden over the six-year period. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsThis study involved an elite male junior Under-18 competition and included six seasons of injury data between 2015 and 2021. A total of 1559 eligible players were included in the analysis. An injury was defined as ‘any physical or medical condition that resulted in a player missing one or more regular competition season matches.’ A Poisson regression model determined injury and illness incidence and burden across the league over a 6-year period and explored changes in injury incidence and burden over time. ResultsThe frequency of injuries was 1023 over the six seasons. The most frequently reported injuries were ankle sprain or joint injuries (26.5 injuries/season), hamstring strains (15.8 injuries/season), and concussion (15.1 injuries/season). The most burdensome injuries were ankle sprain or joint injuries with 82.5 missed matches/season, followed by anterior cruciate ligament injuries with 53.7 missed matches/season and hamstring strains with 46.9 missed matches/season. Injury incidence did not change for the most common injury types over time (all p > 0.05). Injury burden significantly increased for concussions, ACL injuries, MCL injuries, and ankle sprain or joint injuries (all p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe multi-year injury surveillance methodology identified injuries with the highest consistent incidence and those that caused the most burden to elite male junior AF players. The results can be used to reliably guide future injury prevention methodologies to reduce the impact on players and clubs.

The effect of a combined sprint training intervention on sprint force-velocity characteristics in junior Australian football players.

Sprint performance in junior Australian football (AF) players has been shown to be a differentiating quality in ability level therefore developing sprint characteristics via sprint-specific training methods is an important aspect of their physical development. Assisted sprint training is one training method used to enhance sprint performance yet limited information exists on its effect on sprint force-velocity characteristics. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the influence of a combined sprint training intervention using assisted and maximal sprint training methods on mechanical characteristics and sprint performance in junior Australian football players. Upon completing familiarization and pre-testing, twenty-two male junior Australian football (AF) players (age 14.4±0.3 years, body mass 58.5 ±10.0 kg, and height 1.74 ±0.08 m) were divided into a combined sprint training (CST) group (n = 14), and a maximal sprint training (MST) group (n = 8) based on initial sprint performance over 20-meters. Sprint performance was assessed during maximal 20-meter sprint efforts via a radar gun (36 Hz), with velocity-time data used to derive force-velocity characteristics and split times. All subjects then completed a 7-week in-season training intervention consisting of maximal sprinting (MST & CST groups) and assisted sprinting (CST only), along with their usual football specific exercises. Moderate to large pre-post within group effects (-0.65 ≤ ES ≥ 0.82. p≤0.01) in the CST group for relative theoretical maximal force (F0) and power (Pmax) were reflected in improved sprint performance from 0-20 m, thereby creating a more force-oriented F-v profile. The MST group displayed statistically significant pre-post differences in sprint performance between 10-20 m only (ES = 0.18, p=0.04). Moderate to high relative reliability was achieved across all sprint variables (ICC = 0.65-0.91), except for the force-velocity slope (SFV) and decrement in ratio of forces (DRF) which reported poor reliability (ICC = 0.41-0.44), while the CST group exceeded the pre-post minimal detectable change (MDC) in most sprint variables suggesting a 'true change' in performance across the intervention. It is concluded that implementing a short-term, combined sprint training intervention consisting of assisted and maximal sprint training methods may enhance sprint mechanical characteristics and sprint performance to 20-meters in junior AF players.

Does changing the Functional Movement Screen composite score threshold influence injury risk estimation in junior Australian football players?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify whether a revised lower Functional Movement Screen (FMS) composite score threshold would be associated with a greater injury risk for junior athletes than the common threshold of≤14. This prospective cohort study included tracking of 809 elite junior male Australian football players for injuries that resulted in a missed game. All athletes completed pre-season FMS testing and a 12-month self-reported retrospective injury questionnaire. Analyses examined the relationship between composite score thresholds of≤14, ≤13, and≤12 and the risk of injury. The relationship between prospective injury and the common composite threshold score of ≤ 14 was dependent on the presence of a recent injury history (relative risk [RR] = 1.45, p = 0.004) in comparison to no recent injury history (RR = 0.98, p = 0.887). Scoring≤12 in the presence of a recent injury history had the greatest diagnostic accuracy but only a trivial increase in injury risk (RR = 1.59, p = 0.001, sensitivity = 0.35, specificity = 0.80, negative and positive likelihood ratios = 0.81 and 1.75). Whilst some small statistical relationships existed between prospective injury and the FMS composite score thresholds, all three thresholds were not associated with a clinically meaningful relationship with prospective injury and were no more effective than retrospective injury for determining athletes at risk of injury.

Comparison of Countermovement Jump and Squat Jump Performance Between 627 State and Non-State Representative Junior Australian Football Players.

Edwards, T, Weakley, J, Woods, CT, Breed, R, Benson, AC, Suchomel, TJ, and Banyard, HG. Comparison of countermovement jump and squat jump performance between 627 state and non-state representative junior Australian football players. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 641-645, 2023-This cross-sectional study investigated differences in lower-body power of state and nonstate representative junior Australian football (AF) players through countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) performance. A total of 627 players performed the CMJ and SJ at the end of the preseason phase over a 2-week period, with each player grouped according to their age (under 18 [U18] or under 16 [U16]), and highest competition level played (state representation and nonstate representation). One-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), follow up ANOVA's, and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to identify significant main effects and between-group differences. Statistical significance was set at α < 0.05. Significant small-to-moderate effect size differences were observed between competition level, with state U18 and U16 players recording greater CMJ and SJ height, and peak power (PP), compared with their nonstate representative peers, respectively. Similarly, significant small-to-moderate effect size differences existed between age groups, with nonstate U18 players recording greater CMJ and SJ height and PP than nonstate U16 counterparts. However, state U18 and state U16 only differed in CMJ PP. No differences were found between competition level or age groups for the difference between CMJ and SJ jump height (CMJSJ diff ). Together, these findings suggest that state and nonstate representative junior AFs may have a similar ability to use the stretch-shortening cycle, despite state representative players jumping higher in the CMJ and SJ.

Elite Junior Australian Football Players With Impaired Wellness Are at Increased Injury Risk at High Loads.

Elite junior Australian football players experience high training loads across levels of competition and training. This, in conjunction with impaired wellness, can predispose athletes to injury. Elite junior Australian football players exposed to high loads with poor wellness are more likely to be at risk of injury than those with improved wellness. Longitudinal prospective cohort study. Level 3. Data were collected and analyzed from 280 players across the 2014 season. Internal load was measured via session rating of perceived exertion. Player wellness was reported according to ratings of sleep quality, fatigue, soreness, stress, and mood. Week- and month-based training load measures were calculated, representing a combination of absolute and relative load variables. Principal component analysis factor loadings, based on 17 load and wellness variables, were used to calculate summed variable covariates. Injury was defined as "any injury leading to a missed training session or competitive match." Associations between covariates and injury risk (yes/no) were determined via logistic generalized estimating equations. A significant interaction term between load and wellness on injury was found [odds ratio (OR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.92; P < 0.01), indicating that wellness acts as a "dimmer switch" of load on injury. Further, there was evidence of moderated mediation (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.57-0.87; P < 0.01). When wellness was low, injury risk started to increase substantially at a 1-week load of 3250 au. Subjective measures of training load are associated with injury risk through a nonlinear relationship. This relationship is further influenced by player wellness, which can amplify the risk of injury. There is evidence that higher stress is linked with injury and that soreness and sleep mediate any stress-injury relationship. Coaching efforts to manage training load and player adaptive responses, including wellness, may reduce the risk of injury, with stress, soreness, and sleep particularly relevant at this level.

The Relationship Between Performance and Injury in Junior Australian Football Athletes.

Determine the impact of preseason and between-seasons changes in individual physical performance on injury risk in elite junior Australian football players and if injuries sustained during a season impact subsequent-season performance improvement. This prospective cohort study assessed individual performance measures (sprint speed, jump, agility, and aerobic endurance) during preseason over 4 consecutive seasons. Injury status (injured/not injured) was tracked weekly to determine the relationship between individual performance and in-season injury occurrence. Mixed models were used to determine the relationship between physical performance and injury, and the effect of injury on physical performance improvement. A total of 206 players played 2 consecutive seasons and were included (17.6y, 181.9cm, 75.7kg). Faster players during preseason experienced higher injury incidence (injuries/season) during that playing season (incidence rate ratio = 0.127; P = .034). Injury incidence was not influenced by between-seasons change in any performance measure. Players injured during their first season maintained their aerobic fitness, which declined in noninjured players (d = 0.39; P = .013). Players who sustained a lower-limb injury during their first season saw smaller improvements in sprint speed than players who did not get injured (d = 0.39; P = .035). Faster players experience higher injury incidence than slower players and may require specific prevention interventions. Players who experience a lower-limb injury during the playing season do not improve sprint speed between seasons to the same extent as players who do not get injured, highlighting the need for targeted high-speed running ability development as part of rehabilitation.

The Effect of a Heavy Resisted Sled-Pull Mesocycle on Sprint Performance in Junior Australian Football Players.

Edwards, T, Piggott, B, Banyard, HG, Haff, GG, and Joyce, C. The effect of a heavy resisted sled-pull mesocycle on sprint performance in junior Australian football players. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 388-393, 2023-This study assessed the effect of heavy resisted sled-pull training on sprint times and force, velocity, and power characteristics in junior Australian football players. Twenty-six athletes completed a 6-week resisted sled-pull training intervention which included 10 training sessions and 1-week taper. Instantaneous velocity during 2 maximal 30 m sprints was recorded 1 week before and 1 week after the intervention with a radar gun. Velocity-time data were used to derive sprint performance and force, velocity, and power characteristics. A paired t -test assessed the within-group differences between preintervention and postintervention testing. Statistical significance was accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Hedges' g effect sizes (ESs) were used to determine the magnitude of change in dependent variables. Maximum velocity (ES = 1.33) and sprint times at all distances (ES range 0.80-1.41) significantly improved after heavy resisted sled-pull training. This was reflected in sprint force, velocity, and power characteristics with significant improvements in relative theoretical force (ES = 0.63), theoretical velocity (ES = 0.99), relative maximum power (ES = 1.04), and ratio of horizontal to vertical force (ES = 0.99). Despite the multifactorial nature of training and competing physical demands associated with preseason training, these findings imply that a short, resisted sled-pull training mesocycle may improve sprint performance and underlying force, velocity, and power characteristics in junior athletes.

Sprint acceleration profiles of junior Australian football players: Intra-individual determinants of performance

Background: Understanding the most effective methods for developing sprint performance in junior AF can be challenging due to the multi-factorial nature of training where there is a requirement to concurrently develop several physical capacities (strength, speed, power, endurance) in conjunction with the technical and tactical skills required to play the sport. This is observed in the junior AF literature with sprint performance identified as developmentally stable as players have progressed from elite under 16 to under 18 competition levels.

Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of Sprint Times and Force-Velocity-Power Characteristics.

Edwards, T, Banyard, HG, Piggott, B, Haff, GG, and Joyce, C. The reliability and minimal detectable change of sprint times and force-velocity-power characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 268-272, 2022-Research has not yet provided critical information for practitioners to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) in sprint times or force-velocity-power characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the interday reliability and MDC of sprint times and sprint force-velocity-power characteristics in junior Australian football (AF) players. Seventeen players were assessed using a radar device that recorded instantaneous velocity during 3 maximal 30-m sprint accelerations performed on 2 nonconsecutive days. Sprint force, velocity, and power characteristics were derived through inverse dynamics applied to the raw velocity-time data. Relative and absolute reliability was determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and MDC. Data analysis was assessed for (a) the first trial, (b) the best trial (the fastest 30-m split time), (c) the average of the first 2 trials, and (d) the average of all 3 trials from each testing session. The main findings were (a) absolute theoretical maximum force (F0), theoretical maximal velocity (V0), absolute and relative maximum power (Pmax), maximum ratio of force (RFmax), maximum velocity (Vmax), and all sprint distance times (5-30 m) displayed acceptable reliability (CV < 10% and ICC >0.75) and 2) the average of 2 and 3 trials was the best method of establishing reliable sprint times and force-velocity-power characteristics between sessions. This study provides important information for practitioners to determine the MDC in sprint times and force-velocity-power characteristics that allow coaches to identify true changes in performance.

Physical and Anthropometric Characteristics Do Not Differ According to Birth Year Quartile in High-Level Junior Australian Football Players.

The aim of this study was to explore differences in the physical fitness and anthropometric profiles between birth year quartiles of players attending the Australian Football League (AFL) National Draft Combine. Date of birth, anthropometric, 20 m sprint, vertical and running vertical jump, AFL planned agility, and 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) data were obtained for players selected to attend the Combine between 1999 and 2019 (n = 1549; Mage = 18.1; SDage = 0.3). The underlying density distributions of the data were visually explored using violin plots overlaid with box and whisker plots. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was then used to model the main effect of birth quartile (four levels) on the physical and anthropometric scores. Results showed that physical and anthropometric test scores did not significantly differ according to birth quartile (V = 0.008, F = 0.880, p = 0.631). We conclude that the physical and anthropometric profiles of high-level junior Australian Football players were similar according to birth year quartile across the modeled period. Therefore, how players utilize their physical and anthropometric attributes during game-play via contextualized, representative assessments, such as small-sided games, should be considered when examining potential causes of a RAE.

Influence of age and maturation status on sprint acceleration characteristics in junior Australian football

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the influence of chronological age and maturation status on sprint acceleration characteristics in junior Australian football (AF) players. Biological maturity of 109 subjects was assessed and subjects were grouped according to predicted years from peak height velocity (PHV) (pre-, mid-, and post-PHV) and chronological age (13 years, 14 years, and 15 years). A one-way multivariate analysis of variance and magnitude-based decisions were used to determine between-group differences. Instantaneous velocity was measured during two maximal 30m sprints via radar gun with the velocity-time data used to derive the force, velocity, and power characteristics. Chronologically, the greatest differences were observed between the 13 and 14 year old groups with the latter group producing likely greater relative maximum power (Pmax) (ES[effect size]=0.44) and theoretical maximal velocity (V0) (ES=0.49). The post-PHV group likely demonstrated a greater ability to apply force at faster velocity (V0; ES=0.59) and orient the force in a horizontal direction (Drf%; ES=-0.49) than the mid-PHV group. No differences in relative theoretical maximal force (F0) were observed between groups. Considering the findings, practitioners should aim to improve relative lower limb strength through heavy sled push or sled pulls and traditional strength training exercises to improve relative F0.

Player Wellness (Soreness and Stress) and Injury in Elite Junior Australian Football Players Over 1 Season

Purpose: To investigate the association between player wellness and injury in elite junior Australian football players over 1 competitive season. Methods: Prospective cohort study. Elite junior Australian football players (N = 196, average age = 17.7 y, range = 16–18 y) were recruited in the under-18 state league competition in Victoria, Australia. They recorded their wellness (sleep, fatigue, soreness, stress, and mood) according to a 5-point Likert scale 3 times weekly, with injuries (missed match/training session) entered into an online sport-injury surveillance system. A logistic generalized estimating equation was used to examine the association (expressed as odds ratio [OR]) between wellness and injury (yes/no). Results: Soreness was associated with injury at each time point across the week, with the strongest association evident for soreness reported 6 d postmatch (OR = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.44; P &lt; .001). Stress and injury were associated with injury for average stress values across the week, as well as specifically on day 1 postmatch (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01–1.21; P = .038). Mood reported in the middle of the week (3 d postmatch) was associated with injury (OR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.97; P = .014), as was fatigue (OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00–1.22; P = .044). Conclusions: This study demonstrates key associations between wellness and injury in elite junior Australian football, specifically soreness, stress, fatigue, and mood. Monitoring strategies help identify injury-risk profiles, which can help decision makers (coaches or medical staff) intervene when relevant to reduce injury risk.

Sprint acceleration force-velocity-power characteristics in drafted vs non-drafted junior Australian football players: preliminary results

ABSTRACT This investigation aimed to compare the maximal sprint acceleration profiles of drafted and non-drafted elite junior Australian football (AF) players. Nineteen players (10 drafted and 9 non-drafted) from an elite junior AF state team participated in this study. Instantaneous velocity was measured via radar gun during maximal 30 m sprints. The velocity-time data were analysed to derive individual force-velocity-power characteristics and sprint times. No significant differences existed between groups, however drafted players reached moderately faster maximum velocity (Hedges’ g = 0.70 [−0.08; 1.48] and theoretical maximum velocity (g = 0.65 [−0.13; 1.42]) than non-drafted players indicating a superior ability to apply higher amounts of force at increasing sprinting velocity. Further, drafted players produced moderately higher absolute theoretical maximum force (g = 0.72 [−0.06; 1.50]) and absolute maximum power (g = 0.83 [0.04; 1.62]) which reflects their moderately higher body mass (g = 0.61[−0.16;1.38]). Although not significant, in this sample of elite junior AF players, those drafted into the AFL displayed greater absolute sprint acceleration characteristics and maximal velocity capabilities than their non-drafted counterparts (moderate effect size). Whether force-velocity-power characteristics can be more beneficial in differentiating sprint performance of elite junior Australian footballers compared to the traditional sprint time approach warrants further investigation with a larger sample size.

Sprint acceleration characteristics across the Australian football participation pathway

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the force, velocity and power profiles of a maximal sprint acceleration through different competition levels of the Australian Football (AF) participation pathway. One hundred and sixty-two junior AF athletes across five competition levels including State under 18’s (ST 18), State under 16’s (ST 16), local under 18’s (LOC 18), local under 15’s (LOC 15), and local under 14’s (LOC 14) participated in this cross-sectional study. Velocity-time data from maximal sprint accelerations were analysed to derive athlete’s sprint acceleration characteristics and split times. ST 18 showed a more force-orientated profile than the LOC 18 with moderate differences in relative theoretical maximal force (F0) (7.54%), absolute F0 (10.51%), and slope of the force–velocity relationship (Sf-v) (9.27%). Similarly, small differences were found between ST 18 and ST 16 in relative F0 (4.79%) and Sf-v (6.28%). Moderate to extremely large differences were observed between players competing in older (ST 18, LOC 18, ST 16) compared to younger (LOC 15, LOC 14) competition levels highlighting the potential influence of biological maturation. It is recommended that practitioners working with junior AF players to consider developing a force-orientated sprint acceleration profile to improve sprinting performance.

Effect of Biological Maturation on Performance of the Athletic Ability Assessment in Australian Rules Football Players.

To determine the effect of biological maturation on athletic movement competency as measured using the Athletic Ability Assessment-6. Fifty-two junior Australian Rules football players were split into 3 groups based on proximity to peak height velocity, while 46 senior players were split into 2 groups based on playing status. The subjects completed the Athletic Ability Assessment-6 (inclusive of the overhead squat, double lunge, single-leg Romanian dead lift, push-up, and chin-up). All subjects were filmed and retrospectively assessed by a single rater. A 1-way analysis of variance and effect-size statistics (Cohen d) with corresponding 90% confidence intervals were used to describe between-groups differences in the component movement scores. The statistical significance was set a priori at P < .05. There were significant between-groups differences for all component movements (P < .05). Post hoc testing revealed that older, more mature subjects possessed greater competency in all movements except the overhead squat. The effect sizes revealed predominantly moderate to very large differences in competency between the senior and junior groups (range of d [90% confidence interval]: 0.70 [0.06 to 1.30] to 3.01 [2.18 to 3.72]), with unclear to moderate differences found when comparing the 3 junior groups (0.08 [-0.50 to 0.65] to 0.97 [0.22-1.61]). The findings suggest that biological maturation may be associated with changes in athletic movement competency in youth Australian Rules football players. Therefore, it is recommended that strength and conditioning coaches monitor maturity status when working with 12- to 15-y-old players. This can allow for a comparison of an individual's athletic movement competency to maturity-based standards and help guide developmentally appropriate training programs.

Absolute and Relative Load and Injury in Elite Junior Australian Football Players Over 1 Season.

To investigate the association between training and match loads and injury in elite junior Australian football players over 1 competitive season. Elite junior Australian football players (n = 290, age 17.7 [0.3] y, range 16-18y) were recruited from the under-18 state league competition in Victoria to report load and injury information. One-week load (session rating of perceived exertion multiplied by duration) and all time-loss injuries were reported using an online sport-injury surveillance system. Absolute load measures (weekly sums) enabled the calculation of relative measures such as the acute:chronic workload ratio. Load measures were modeled against injury outcome (yes/no) using a generalized estimating equation approach, with a 1-wk lag for injury. Low (<300arbitrary units [au]) and high (>4650au) 1-wk loads were associated with significantly higher risk of injury. Furthermore, low (<100au) and high (>850au) session loads were associated with a higher risk of injury. High strain values (>13,000) were associated with up to a 5-fold increase in the odds of injury. There was a relatively flat-line association between the acute:chronic workload ratio and injury. This study is the first investigation of elite junior athletes demonstrating linear and nonlinear relationships between absolute and relative load measures and injury. Coaches should focus player loads on, or at least close to, the point at which injury risk starts to increase again (2214au for 1-wk load and 458au for session load) and use evidence-based strategies across the week and month to help reduce the risk of injury.

Functional Movement Screen Pain Location and Impact on Scoring Have Limited Value for Injury Risk Estimation in Junior Australian Football Players.

To describe the location and severity of pain during Functional Movement Screen (FMS) testing in junior Australian football players and to investigate its effect on FMS composite score and injury risk. Prospective cohort study. Junior male Australian football players (n = 439) completed preseason FMS testing. Pain location and severity (on a 0-to-10 numeric pain-rating scale [NPRS]) were assessed for painful subtests. The FMS composite score was calculated using 3 scoring approaches: "traditional," a score of zero on painful subtests; "moderate," a score of zero on painful subtests if an NPRS pain severity was greater than 4; and "raw," did not adjust painful FMS subtest scores. Players were monitored throughout the competitive season and considered injured when 1 or more matches were missed due to injury. One hundred seventy players reported pain during FMS testing. The pain-scoring approach affected mean composite score values (raw, 14.9; moderate, 14.5; traditional, 13.6; P<.001). Sixty-eight percent of pain was mildly severe (NPRS of 4 or less). Back pain (50%) was more common than upper-limb (24%) or lower-limb (26%) pain (P<.001). Upper-limb pain was associated with a small increase in injury risk (hazard ratio = 1.59, P = .023). No other FMS pain location influenced injury risk, nor did pain severity (P>.280). The FMS composite score was not associated with injury risk, regardless of pain-scoring approach (P≥.500). Pain was common during FMS testing in junior Australian football players and had a notable effect on the FMS composite score, but minimal effect on subsequent injury risk. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(2):75-82. Epub 17 Sep 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9168.

A Prospective Cohort Study of Load and Wellness (Sleep, Fatigue, Soreness, Stress, and Mood) in Elite Junior Australian Football Players.

To investigate associations between load (training and competition) and wellness in elite junior Australian Football players across 1 competitive season. A prospective cohort study was conducted during the 2014 playing season in 562 players from 9 teams. Players recorded their training and match intensities according to the session-rating-of-perceived-exertion (sRPE) method. Based on sRPE player loads, a number of load variables were quantified, including cumulative load and the change in load across different periods of time (including the acute-to-chronic load ratio). Wellness was quantified using a wellness index including sleep, fatigue, soreness, stress, and mood on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Players spent an average of 85 (21)min in each match and 65 (31)min per training session. Average match loads were 637 (232)arbitrary units, and average training loads were 352 (233)arbitrary units. Over the 24 wk of the 2014 season, overall wellness had a significant linear negative association with 1-wk load (B = -0.152; 95% confidence interval, -0.261 to -0.043; P = .006) and an inverse U-curve relationship with session load (B = -0.078; 95% confidence interval, 0.143 to 0.014; P = .018). Mood, stress, and soreness were all found to have associations with load. This study demonstrates that load (within a session and across the week) is important in managing the wellness of elite junior Australian Football players. Quantifying loads and wellness at this level will help optimize player management and has the potential to reduce the risk of adverse events such as injury.

Elite Junior Australian Football Players Experience Significantly Different Loads Across Levels of Competition and Training Modes.

Lathlean, TJH, Gastin, PB, Newstead, S, and Finch, CF. Elite junior Australian football players experience significantly different loads across levels of competition and training modes. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2031-2038, 2018-Well-developed physical qualities such as high jumping ability, running endurance, acceleration, and speed can help aspiring junior elite Australian football (AF) players transition to the Australian Football League competition. To do so, players need to experience sufficient load to enhance their physical resilience without increasing their risk of negative outcomes in terms of impaired wellness or injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in load for different levels of competition and training modes across one competitive season. Elite junior AF players (n = 562, aged 17.7 ± 0.3, range: 16-18 years) were recruited from 9 teams across the under-18 state league competition in Victoria. All players recorded their training and match intensities according to the session rating of perceived exertion method. Training sessions were categorized according to skills, strength, conditioning, and other activities, whereas matches were identified according to level of competition. The loads in U18 state league matches (656.7 ± 210.9 au) were significantly higher (p = 0.027) than those in school matches (643.3 ± 260.9 au) and those in U18 representative matches (617.2 ± 175.4). Players, who undertook more than one match per week, experienced significantly less load in subsequent matches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, U18 state league training sessions carried the most load when compared with other training modes. This article highlights that different combinations of training and match involvement affect overall player load, which may predispose players to negative outcomes such as impaired wellness or increased injury risk.

The incidence, prevalence, severity, mechanism and body region of injury in elite junior Australian football players: A prospective cohort study over one season

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, prevalence, severity, mechanism and body region of injuries in elite junior Australian football (AF) players over one competitive season in order to help inform injury prevention interventions. DesignProspective cohort, data collected during the 2014 playing season. MethodsPlayer and staff-reported injuries sustained by 562 players from an under-18 state league were entered into an online sports injury surveillance system. An injury was recorded if it led to a missed training session or match. Injury incidence was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000h of training and competition. Injury severity was defined by the number of days players missed training or competition. Injury mechanism was identified as either contact, non-contact or overuse. ResultsThere were 1192 football-related injuries sustained during the season; the majority (n=1041, 87.3%) were new, occurred during competition (n=954, 86%) and led to 4–7 missed days in severity (n=429, 46%). Injury incidence was 37.2 injuries per 1000h of exposure. Over half of injuries were contact in mechanism (n=355, 51%). Most injuries were to the lower limb (n=720, 60%), with the thigh representing the highest proportion of these. ConclusionsThis study provides key information as to the aetiology of injury in this level of competition and provides a stronger foundation from which injury prevention studies could be carried out. Future research is well-placed to develop an understanding of the injury risk factors in the elite junior cohort, whilst also reducing injury risk once players transition to the AFL.