The AFL pre-season is already revealing its challenges with key injuries impacting the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda. The Bulldogs are grappling with a cluster of soft-tissue injuries, while the Saints are facing concerns over bone-stress injuries and a key backline absence.
Pre-season is always a delicate period in the AFL , with players eager to prove themselves and training intensity peaking. This increased workload and introduction of match play unfortunately elevate the risk of injuries, potentially derailing a team's season before it even begins. February, however, is far too early to determine the long-term impact of these setbacks.
To assess the severity of these early injuries, we've categorized the 18 AFL clubs, examining who is facing the biggest challenges and who is progressing smoothly. For the Western Bulldogs, a cluster of soft-tissue injuries presents a significant concern. Adam Treloar, who suffered a calf strain recurrence after an initial injury before Christmas, faces a crucial recovery period. Research indicates that recurring calf strains are more common in older athletes, especially within two months of the initial injury. Treloar's age (31) and the recurrence of his injury raise concerns. Aaron Naughton's pre-Christmas calf injury also remains a worry, potentially involving tendon damage, which takes longer to heal due to the specific collagen type produced by the body. Johannisen's injury history necessitates a conservative rehabilitation approach, potentially prolonging his recovery. Adding to the Bulldogs' woes, Liam Jones suffered a high-grade hamstring strain during match simulation, sidelining him for up to two months. These soft-tissue setbacks will inevitably require careful analysis. With All-Australian Treloar likely out for the first month of the season, coach Luke Beveridge faces tough decisions regarding his midfield. Missing key players like Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel adds further complexity. Matt Kennedy is expected to fill the void, with Ryley Sanders and Ed Richards possibly seeing increased midfield minutes. Bailey Dale will likely shoulder the rebounding responsibilities from half-back, although this could affect the Bulldogs' transition game. Jones' absence will undoubtedly increase pressure on the team's backline. Missing significant pre-season training can impact a player's confidence and leave them struggling throughout the year. However, these experienced athletes have accumulated years of pre-season training, potentially allowing them to manage these setbacks better. The Saints' main concern centers around bone-stress injuries affecting Rowan Marshall and Mattaes Phillipou, raising questions about training loads at Moorabbin. Bone-stress injuries are notoriously tricky and often take longer to heal compared to soft-tissue injuries. Complete rest from impact is crucial, leading to significant fitness loss. Marshall's potential absence for round one leaves coach Ross Lyon particularly thin in the ruck department. The Saints will rely heavily on Max King to contribute as a forward, while hoping Harry Boyd can at least hold his own in the midfield if called upon. The off-season shoulder injury sustained by Dougal Howard is another concern. Requiring surgery, there's a possibility of cartilage repair or ligament tightening to prevent future dislocations. Losing key backs is always challenging, but it's especially difficult for a coach like Lyon, whose game plan prioritizes defense. In Howard's absence, Zaine Cordy and Arie Schoenmaker will need to step up, with Anthony Caminiti potentially deployed in the backline
AFL Injuries Pre-Season Western Bulldogs St Kilda Soft-Tissue Injuries Bone-Stress Injuries Backline
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