afl pre season

AFL Pre-Season Carnage: Is the Fixture Failing Our Footy Stars?

The AFL pre-season is traditionally a time of optimism, renewed hope, and the tantalising promise of the season ahead. But this year, the mood has been soured by a spate of injuries and fierce criticism levelled at the league's pre-season scheduling. Gold Coast Suns coach Damien Hardwick has been particularly vocal, leading the charge in questioning whether the current format is adequately protecting players. With the 2025 AFL season looming, the pre-season injury toll is raising serious concerns about player welfare and the integrity of the upcoming competition.

Hardwick's Harsh Words: "They've Got One Job"

Damien Hardwick, fresh off joining the Gold Coast Suns, hasn't minced words regarding his dissatisfaction with the AFL's pre-season setup. Following a pre-season game against the Sydney Swans marred by multiple injuries, Hardwick stated bluntly, "They’ve got one job," referring to the AFL's responsibility to create a safe and effective pre-season schedule. He argued that the current fixture is contributing to unnecessary "carnage," putting players at risk and potentially derailing teams' premiership aspirations before the season even begins.

Hardwick's comments came after a match where his own team, the Gold Coast Suns, suffered a quartet of injuries, further fueling his frustration. The loss to Sydney was compounded by the potential loss of key players, highlighting the immediate consequences of what he perceives as a flawed system.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Trouble

The chorus of concern surrounding the AFL pre-season has grown louder in recent weeks. Here's a chronological look at the key developments:

• Early Pre-Season: Teams engage in intra-club matches and match simulation sessions to build fitness and test strategies.
• AFL Community Series: Official pre-season games commence, providing a final opportunity for teams to fine-tune their game plan before the season proper.
• Hardwick's Criticism (Ongoing): Following the Suns' pre-season match against Sydney, Damien Hardwick publicly criticises the AFL's scheduling, citing player safety concerns.
• Gulden Injury: Sydney Swans star Errol Gulden suffers an ankle injury during the same match, adding to the growing injury list.
• Bontempelli Scare: Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli causes concern after an injury scare during a pre-season game, although he later downplayed the severity.

Contextual Background: A History of Pre-Season Scrutiny

Concerns about the AFL pre-season are not new. The balance between preparing players for the rigours of the season and minimising the risk of injury has always been a delicate one. In the past, the pre-season has undergone several transformations, from the old "practice matches" to the more structured Community Series of today.

The debate often centres around the intensity and length of pre-season games. Some argue that shorter, less intense matches would reduce the risk of injury, while others believe that players need to be fully prepared for the demands of the regular season, requiring a more robust pre-season schedule.

Stakeholders involved in this debate include:

• AFL: Responsible for creating and managing the pre-season schedule.
• AFL Clubs: Coaches, players, and medical staff who are directly impacted by the scheduling.
• AFL Players' Association (AFLPA): Advocates for player welfare and safety.
• Fans: Eager to see their teams perform well, but also concerned about player health.

The broader implications of the pre-season scheduling extend to the competitiveness of the league. A high rate of pre-season injuries can significantly impact team performance, potentially creating an uneven playing field and affecting the overall quality of the competition.

Immediate Effects: The Rising Injury Toll

The most immediate effect of the current pre-season scheduling is the increasing number of injuries being reported across various AFL clubs. While it's difficult to quantify the exact impact without comprehensive data, anecdotal evidence suggests that the injury rate is higher than desired.

The potential consequences of these injuries are significant:

• Reduced Team Performance: Key players sidelined through injury can weaken a team's chances of success.
• Increased Pressure on Younger Players: Injuries to senior players can force clubs to rely on less experienced players, potentially hindering their development.
• Financial Implications: Clubs may incur additional costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Fan Disappointment: Fans are deprived of the opportunity to see their favourite players in action.

The injury to Errol Gulden is a prime example of the potential impact. Gulden, a rising star for the Sydney Swans, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the season. His absence would be a significant blow to the Swans' premiership aspirations.

Future Outlook: Potential Changes on the Horizon?

Given the growing concerns and the vocal criticism from figures like Damien Hardwick, it's likely that the AFL will re-evaluate its pre-season scheduling in the near future. Several potential changes could be considered:

• Reduced Game Length: Shortening pre-season games could decrease the risk of injury.
• Modified Rules: Implementing rule changes specifically for pre-season games could reduce the intensity and physicality of the matches.
• Increased Focus on Match Simulation: Encouraging clubs to prioritise internal match simulation sessions over official pre-season games.
• More Rest Days: Incorporating more rest days into the pre-season schedule to allow players to recover adequately.
• Improved Data Collection and Analysis: The AFL could invest in better data collection and analysis to identify potential risk factors and inform future scheduling decisions.

However, any changes to the pre-season schedule will need to be carefully considered to ensure that players are still adequately prepared for the demands of the regular season. Finding the right balance between player welfare and competitive readiness will be crucial.

The AFL's response to these concerns will be closely watched by players, coaches, and fans alike. The league's ability to address the pre-season injury problem will not only impact the upcoming season but also shape the future of the game. The health and safety of its players must be paramount, ensuring a sustainable and thriving competition for years to come.