Junior athlete profiling and physical development in Australian Rules Football

Project Member(s): Watsford, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Sydney Swans Limited (Sydney Swans Football Club Partnership Fund)

Start year: 2014

Summary: Following on from a recent athlete profiling study which has assessed physical development across the entire spectrum of players from the Sydney Swans Football Club, this project will assess the differences in match-play characteristics of these athletes. The participants will be grouped into Academy members (16 and 18 years old), reserves and seniors levels. Activity profiles will be compared with a view to developing training programs that can specifically target the physical requirements of current-level matches whilst also being mindful of progression from junior level to senior level of match-play. The project will involve the use of Global Positioning Systems to collect athlete movement demands (such as time spent and number of efforts walking, jogging, running and sprinting) during professional Australian Football Matches. Player match events such as disposals and tackles will also be recorded. This data will then be compared to match performance and match loading by utilising coaches rating and game loading (Rating of Perceived Exertion x match duration) respectively.

Keywords: Sports science, strength and conditioning, Global Positioning System, athlete profiling

FOR Codes: Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Health and Support Services not elsewhere classified, Injury Control, Occupational Health, Biomechanics , Provision of health and support services not elsewhere classified, Injury prevention and control