The AFL off-season has been nothing short of brutal, leaving fans and players alike wondering: Is the game becoming too demanding for its own good? Collingwood’s Jeremy Howe, a seasoned premiership defender, believes the relentless increase in workload and intensity of AFL programs might be the culprit behind the recent wave of injuries. But here’s where it gets controversial: could the pursuit of excellence be pushing players to their breaking point? Let’s dive in.
Collingwood has been particularly hard-hit, with key players like Howe himself (calf), Darcy Moore (calf), and Dan McStay (hamstring) sidelined by soft tissue injuries. And they’re not alone. North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer, Carlton’s Jesse Motlop (both ACL injuries), Hawthorn’s Will Day, Melbourne’s Max Gawn, and GWS stars Toby Greene and Clayton Oliver have all fallen victim to the off-season carnage. It’s a trend that raises serious questions about the sustainability of modern AFL training regimes.
But is this just the cost of staying competitive? Howe thinks so. Speaking on SEN radio, he emphasized, ‘The game is not getting any easier.’ Clubs are constantly seeking that extra 5-10% edge, whether through fitness, strategy, or sheer intensity. Players are pushing harder than ever, with high-intensity running and rigorous fitness regimes becoming the norm. ‘Even someone like Pendles (Scott Pendlebury), who’s meticulous about his body, would struggle to play 400 games if he faced today’s pre-season demands,’ Howe noted. And with seasons growing longer, the strain on players is only intensifying.
And this is the part most people miss: the off-season isn’t a break—it’s a test of discipline. Players are expected to maintain peak fitness during the Christmas break, with no hand-holding from coaches. ‘If you fall behind, it’s almost impossible to catch up,’ Howe warned. While Collingwood’s program is top-notch, the responsibility ultimately lies with the individual. ‘There’s an element of trust,’ Howe added, ‘but everyone’s trying to do the same amount of work.’
Despite the injuries, Howe remains optimistic about Collingwood’s pre-season progress. ‘It’s a time filled with optimism,’ he said. ‘Everyone’s fit, flying, and ready for practice games.’ The club is gearing up for match simulations, with an intraclub game in early February serving as a showcase for players’ skills. The Pies kick off their season against St Kilda on March 8 at the MCG, and expectations are high.
But here’s the burning question: Are we pushing players too far in the name of competition? Is the current injury epidemic a sign that the AFL needs to reevaluate its training demands? Or is this simply the price of excellence in modern sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
