AFL implements new contact training limits for men's and women's players

The AFL will introduce mandatory limits on contact training for all men's and women's players starting with the upcoming men's pre-season. Clubs must adhere to weekly caps on total contact minutes, with specific sub-limits established for high-intensity sessions. These restrictions follow recommendations from a Victorian Coroner's investigation into the death of former player Shane Tuck. League research determined that head injuries occur most frequently during match simulation and high-intensity drills rather than standard training. AFL clubs are now prohibited from scheduling high-intensity contact work on consecutive days and must observe specific contact protocols for athletes returning from breaks. Further guidelines for the AFL premiership season and the AFLW schedule will be finalized later this year as the league continues to monitor data and club feedback.

• 2:30 AMAFL — AFL to limit contact training for all men's and women's players