AFL Footy Is Back: How to Reduce Your Risk of Injury This Season

Across Western Australia, the return of AFL and community football means players are heading back to training, pre-season matches and the first rounds of the year.

Whether you play local club footy, school football or weekend competitions, the start of the season is also when many injuries occur. Often this happens because players return to high-intensity training before their bodies have had time to rebuild strength, fitness and resilience.

At Joondalup Sports Medicine, our sports medicine team regularly sees football-related injuries early in the season. The good news is that many injuries can be prevented with the right preparation.

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Common AFL Injuries We See

AFL places significant demand on the body due to sprinting, jumping, tackling and rapid changes of direction. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Hamstring strains
• Calf strains
• Ankle sprains
• Knee injuries (including ACL)
• Shoulder injuries from tackling or marking contests
• Lower back pain

Early in the season, soft tissue injuries are particularly common as players increase their training load.

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Tips to Help Prevent Injury This Season

1. Build Your Fitness Gradually

Avoid jumping straight into high-intensity training. Gradually increase:

• Running distance
• Sprint efforts
• Training intensity
• Match play duration

This helps muscles and tendons adapt safely.

2. Prioritise Strength Training

Strong muscles help stabilise joints and absorb the impact of tackles, jumps and landings. Focus on:

• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Core strength
• Calves
• Hip stability

A structured strength programme can significantly reduce injury risk.

3. Warm Up Properly

A proper warm-up prepares your body for explosive movements. This should include:

• Dynamic stretching
• Light jogging
• Acceleration drills
• Change-of-direction drills

Skipping a warm-up is one of the fastest ways to increase injury risk.

4. Manage Training Load

Overtraining without adequate recovery can lead to fatigue and injury. Make sure you:

• Schedule rest days
• Maintain good sleep
• Hydrate properly
• Address soreness early

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What To Do If You Are Injured

If you experience pain, swelling, reduced strength or difficulty moving after training or a game, it’s important not to ignore it.

Early assessment can help prevent minor injuries from becoming long-term problems.

At Joondalup Sports Medicine, our sports medicine doctors provide:

• Accurate injury diagnosis
• Musculoskeletal imaging referrals if required
• Individualised treatment plans
• Rehabilitation and return-to-sport guidance

Getting the right diagnosis early can help you return to the field safely and confidently.

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Keep Yourself on the Field This Season

The AFL season is one of the most exciting times of the year for players and supporters alike. Taking proactive steps to prepare your body and addressing injuries early can help ensure you stay on the field and performing at your best.

If you’ve picked up an injury or want professional advice before the season ramps up, the team at Joondalup Sports Medicine is here to help.

Book an appointment with our sports medicine doctors today and get your season off to the right start.