Injury Screening in AFL: The Key to Preventing Common Injuries and Optimising Performance

In Australian Rules Football (AFL), every second counts. Whether it’s the sprint to intercept, the leap for a contested mark, or the last-minute tackle, players are expected to perform with power, precision, and endurance. But while AFL showcases elite athleticism, it also brings with it a high risk of injury—especially when players aren’t adequately prepared for the demands of the game.

That’s where injury screening comes in. Injury screening isn’t just about avoiding pain—it's a strategic tool to prevent the common injuries in AFL and ensure players are physically ready to perform at their best. Whether you're an aspiring junior, amateur club player, or returning athlete, screening offers valuable insights that can prolong your career and enhance your output on the field.

The Demands of AFL: Why Injuries Are Common

AFL is unique. Few sports combine aerobic fitness with explosive power, dynamic movement, heavy collisions, and high levels of skill like footy does. With so many variables at play, it's no surprise that AFL players face one of the highest injury rates of all field-based sports.

Injury risk in AFL is largely driven by:

• High-speed running and sprint efforts, often covering 12–15 km per match

• Rapid changes in direction during evasive plays

• Repeated jumping and landing, which loads the lower limbs

• Physical contact, from tackles, bumps, and ground impacts

• Fatigue, which increases the risk of poor technique and injury late in games

When combined, these factors create the perfect environment for injuries—especially without the right preparation.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in AFL?

To effectively prevent injuries, you need to know what you’re dealing with. Here are the most common injuries in AFL, along with how they usually occur:

1. Hamstring Strains

Cause: Sprinting, fatigue, or poor warm-up
Why it matters: Can recur frequently and limit explosive power.

2. ACL Tears

Cause: Pivoting, sudden deceleration, or awkward landings
Why it matters: Often requires surgery and 9–12 months of recovery.

3. Ankle Sprains

Cause: Twisting during change of direction or contact
Why it matters: Can lead to long-term instability if not addressed.

4. Concussions

Cause: Head knocks, ground impact, or contact collisions
Why it matters: Requires careful management and return-to-play protocols.

5. Groin and Hip Flexor Injuries

Cause: Repetitive kicking, side-to-side movement
Why it matters: Often becomes chronic without early intervention.

6. Shoulder Dislocations

Cause: Tackles, falls, or outstretched arm impacts
Why it matters: Can result in long-term instability or weakness.

Each of these common injuries in AFL can take a toll—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Missing games, losing form, or needing surgery can dramatically impact a player’s development and confidence.

What Is an Injury Screen?

An injury screen is a structured assessment carried out by a trained physiotherapist or sports health professional. It’s designed to evaluate an athlete’s movement, strength, flexibility, and control to detect early signs of dysfunction or imbalance that may lead to injury.

Unlike injury treatment, which is reactive, screening is preventative. The goal is to spot the warning signs before they escalate into a time-loss injury.

Why Every AFL Player Should Get Screened

Whether you’re preparing for a new season or coming back from time off, injury screening should be part of your routine. Here’s why:

• It identifies weaknesses you can’t feel yet
  Some issues—like reduced joint mobility or strength imbalance—don’t hurt until it’s too late.

• It reduces your risk of common AFL injuries
  Screening targets exactly the type of injuries that derail AFL players every year.

• It creates a personalised plan
  You’ll leave with a tailored prehab or training program specific to your needs.

• It supports performance
  Better biomechanics and strength = more explosive movement, more endurance, and more consistency.

• It provides a baseline for future care
  If you do get injured, having screening data helps guide faster and more informed rehab.

AFL-Specific Screening Protocols

Our team has developed an AFL-focused injury screening process that covers every key area linked to injury risk and performance in footy. Here’s what’s involved:

🔹 Flexibility Assessment

• Hamstring length

• Ankle dorsiflexion

• Hip mobility and internal/external rotation

🔹 Strength Testing

• Hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio (key for ACL and hamstring injury prevention)

• Shoulder strength and scapular control

• Core and glute strength

We use Ax-IT technology to measure strength objectively and reliably.

🔹 Movement & Function Analysis

• Jumping and landing mechanics

• Agility and change of direction

• Balance and single-leg control

🔹 Concussion Baseline Testing

• Standardised cognitive tests

• Memory and reaction time assessment

🔹 Injury History & Load Review

• Previous injury sites

• Recent workload or change in training

This process allows us to create a targeted action plan to reduce your injury risk and keep you playing longer and better.

When Should AFL Players Be Screened?

The ideal time for injury screening is before preseason begins, when workloads start to increase and bodies are adapting to higher demands. But that’s not the only time it’s useful.

You should also consider injury screening if:

• You’re returning from injury

• You’ve taken a break from sport

• You’re a junior going through growth spurts

• You’ve had multiple minor injuries

• You want to improve performance without breaking down

Prevention Is the Best Treatment

Injury prevention isn't just about stretching or doing a few extra gym sessions. It's about understanding your body—how it moves, where it struggles, and what it needs to stay strong through the demands of the AFL season.

Screening gives players and coaches the data they need to train smarter, not just harder. It builds a bridge between health and performance.

FAQs

Q: Can screening help even if I feel fine?
Yes! Screening identifies risk factors before pain or injury develops. Prevention is most effective when you feel 100%.

Q: Is screening just for elite players?
No. It’s for everyone—junior, amateur, recreational, or professional. Injury doesn’t discriminate.

Q: What happens after the screen?
You’ll receive a detailed summary and a personalised program, along with expert guidance to implement it.

Q: Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with your physiotherapist or sports clinic.

Ready to Protect Your Season?

In AFL, injuries are common—but many are preventable. Injury screening gives you the tools to stay ahead, reduce your injury risk, and get the most out of every game. Whether you’re chasing a premiership or just love playing the game, your best ability is availability.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Book your AFL injury screening today and take the first step toward a stronger, safer season.

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