Staying Strong as Footy Seasons Kick Off

As we move into late summer and early autumn, many athletes are shifting gears toward pre-season training for AFL and NRL. This is a phase where training volume, speed work, and (for contact sports) tackling gradually increase. From a physio’s perspective, this period isn’t something to fear — but it does benefit from smart preparation and good load management.

Across both Australian football and rugby league, injury surveillance data shows that the most common issues are muscle strains, joint sprains, and impact-related injuries, rather than sudden or severe injuries. In AFL, hamstring strains consistently remain the most frequently reported time-loss injury across seasons, largely due to the high-speed running and sprint demands of the game (Saw et al., 2018; AFL Injury Report, 2022). The good news is that most hamstring injuries are mild to moderate and respond well to appropriate strength-based rehabilitation and progressive loading.

Groin and hip-related pain is also commonly seen early in the season, particularly as kicking volume, cutting, and change-of-direction drills increase. Research suggests these injuries are often associated with changes in training load rather than a single incident, highlighting the importance of gradual exposure rather than resting away from activity altogether (Mosler et al., 2015).

In the NRL, the physical nature of the game plays a larger role. Muscle strains and ligament sprains around the knee and ankle are frequently reported, often linked to tackling or awkward landings (Gabbett, 2010). Shoulder injuries, including minor instability episodes, are also common due to contact, but most are well managed with early assessment and structured rehabilitation.

Concussion remains an important focus in both AFL and NRL. Current evidence shows that most athletes recover well when concussion is recognised early and managed appropriately, using graded return-to-play protocols rather than prolonged rest or fear-based restrictions (McCrory et al., 2017).

What the evidence consistently shows is that injury risk is influenced by preparation, workload progression, and recovery, not simply the sport itself. Gradual increases in training load, regular strength training, good sleep, and early management of niggles are all associated with reduced time lost to injury.

From a physiotherapy perspective, pre-season is an opportunity. It’s the ideal time to address strength deficits, improve movement efficiency, and build resilience so the body is better prepared for the demands of the season ahead.

If you’re gearing up for AFL, NRL, or local competition, now is a great time to visit a physiotherapy clinic or contact your physio. A pre-season assessment or tailored strength program can help you train with confidence and stay on the field longer.

References

AFL Injury Report. (2022). AFL injury report: Season 2022. AFL. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1211880/afl-and-aflw-injury-reports

Gabbett, T. J. (2010). The development and application of an injury prediction model for noncontact, soft-tissue injuries in elite collision sport athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(10), 2593–2603. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181f19da4

McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvořák, J., Aubry, M., Bailes, J., Broglio, S., Cantu, R. C., Cassidy, D., Echemendia, R. J., Castellani, R. J., Davis, G. A., Ellenbogen, R., Emery, C., Engebretsen, L., Feddermann-Demont, N., Giza, C. C., Guskiewicz, K. M., Herring, S., Iverson, G. L., … Vos, P. E. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699

Mosler, A. B., Agricola, R., Weir, A., Hölmich, P., & Crossley, K. M. (2015). Which factors differentiate athletes with hip/groin pain from those without? A systematic review with meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(12), 810. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2015-094602

Saw, R., Finch, C. F., Samra, D., Baquie, P., Cardoso, T., Hope, D., & Orchard, J. W. (2018). Injuries in Australian Rules Football: An overview of injury rates, patterns, and mechanisms across all levels of play. Sports Health, 10(3), 208–216. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738117726070