Stretch: Ocean Grove’s Elliott Taylor and Harry Rawlings, both 17, help trainer Kane Reardon warm up.
By John Van Klaveren
A HIGH-LEVEL study is investigating Geelong and Bellarine league footballers in a bid to reduce the severity and number of leg injuries in their sport, researchers have revealed.
They said the Footy First study had recruited 17 of the leagues’ 22 clubs as part of the pilot program.
The program could be rolled out statewide and then nationally if successful.
Monash University’s Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention is conducting the study with support from the AFL and State Government.
Researcher Alex Donaldson said the program aimed to transfer lessons learned at the elite level to weekend warriors.
“Leg injuries are the number-one issue for local footy because they really affect the performance of the club,” Mr Donaldson said.
“Player injuries like knee reconstructions can have significant long-term effects.
“Essentially, this is a series of exercises aimed at preventing injuries that can be included into existing training drills.
“The program has a warm-up component with an emphasis on specific hamstring injury prevention exercises. There are also groin strength exercises as part of an aim to build core strength.
“We have a number of jumping, landing and change-of-direction activities.
“Research shows poor technique in this area is a risk factor for knee and ankle injuries.”
Mr Donaldson said Footy First was working with Football Geelong to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in injury prevention.
Ballarat Football League and Southern Metropolitan Football League are also participating in the study.
Mr Donaldson said long-serving former Geelong Cats club doctor Hugh Seward was an associate investigator on the research team.
Dr Seward would act as a link between the research study and AFL medical officers.
“We also have a mentors program with human movement and sports science trained people acting as mentors at local clubs,” Mr Donaldson said.
“Footy First is under a local advisory group including club coaches and strength and conditioning staff.”
Mr Donaldson said the program aimed to have online video resources available soon.
Ocean Grove Football Club senior coach Cam McGregor said the club was keen to be involved.
“We had a run of hamstring injuries and we’re keen to find ways of reducing that incidence,” he said.
