AFL injury report warns players re-injure knees

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker after injuring his knee against Carlton in 2013. Source: News Limited

FOOTBALL'S annual injury report suggests Adelaide's fans should have their hearts in their mouths every time key forward Taylor Walker goes near the ball as he returns to the game this season.

For all of the progress made in medical ranks, players keep re-injuring their knees after major surgery.

FJELDSTAD: PLAYERS STILL NEED SOME TICKER TO CROSS THE LINE

At the centre of the AFL report is the recurrence of knee injuries: of 23 knee reconstructions completed in 2013, eight were re-injuries stemming from graft failure.

Three of those came from the LARS operation, which uses synthetic fibre to mend the knee, while the other five came from traditional knee reconstructions, in which a hamstring tendon from either the patient or a cadaver is used to mend the knee.

The report's authors, associate professor John Orchard and Dr Hugh Seward, have noted a dramatic rise in injuries in recent years and it coincided with the more frequent use of the interchange bench.

"There was a statistically-significant increase in both injury incidence and prevalence over the years 2008-2013 (high interchange era) compared to the years 2002-2007 (low interchange era)," the report stated.

"Hamstring strains are still the number one injury in the game in terms of both incidence and prevalence (missed games)."

But the rapid rise in interchanges has not been all bad news.

Hamstring and groin injuries have decreased during the recent trend of having a revolving door on the sidelines while there have been more calf, knee tendon and other leg, foot and ankle injuries.

In other findings in the report:

DR SEWARD attributed the higher incidence of concussion to a more cautious approach to the injury. On average one player per club miss a games due to concussion each season

HAMSTRING strains remain the cause for the most amount of games missed by players, and

THE rate of anterior cruciate ligament injury was higher during pre-season and in the early rounds of the season. Northern teams also reported a higher incidence of ACL injuries.

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said the league would continue its investment into injury research.

It will be for the benefit of not only the elite level, but also grass roots and junior ranks.

"The AFL remains fully committed to the best interests of player health and welfare and the annual injury survey is a vital tool to address injury concerns and how to address trends within the game,'' Evans said.

"This survey is another way the AFL looks at our primary goal of ensuring the game is safe to play and that our players have the best possible treatment and support when returning from any injury, while also providing real data for us to consider as part of the debates of rule changes that may be necessary to improve player safety across all levels of our game for both adults and children.''

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Hart: Clash of styles no issue for Port

Last updated: May 07, 2014

PORT Adelaide is unconcerned about whether it will be low-scoring or freewheeling when they play Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

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No common sense in kangaroo court

• by: Jon Anderson
• From: News Corp Australia
• May 07, 2014 11:20AM

THE AFL tribunal system, introduced 10 seasons ago to reduce the amount of guesswork and subjectivity, should be replaced immediately.

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Wingard backs AFL’s tough stance on bump

Melbourne's Jack Viney has been handed a two-match ban by the tribunal after being found guilty of a bump on Tom Lynch, while Richmond's Brett Deledio walked away from a striking charge with just a reprimand.

AFL players have reacted with outrage to the two-match ban handed to Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney.

Herald Sun reporter Jon Anderson talks to Fox Sports about the suspension of Melbourne Demons' Jack Viney, which he views as a landmark decision.

Chad Wingard supports the AFL's decision to suspend Jack Viney for his bump on Tom Lynch. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide best and fairest Chad Wingard has backed the AFL in its firm stance on the bump as widespread debate rages over the suspension of Melbourne's Jack Viney for his bump on Adelaide's Tom Lynch.

Viney received a two-week ban after Lynch ended up with a broken jaw and the subsequent suspension reaffirmed the AFL's view that a player's head is sacrosanct and cannot be hit.

MORE: 'BUMP' BAN SLAMMED BY PLAYERS

Former greats have condemned the decision, calling it a football accident, but Wingard said it was made in the interest of the players.

What do you think of the AFL Tribunal's decision to ban Jack Viney?

"There's a couple of ways you can approach it but the AFL, they're really just trying to look after every layer and their welfare," Wingard said ahead of training at Adelaide Oval.

"If they think they need to knuckle down on a certain issue, and the bump is obviously an issue, that's what they're going to do to look after everyone's welfare."

Viney leaves the AFL Tribunal. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Wingard disagreed with the notion that the bump was dead.

MORE: PLAYERS' BOSS SAYS TRIBUNAL WRONG

He predicted it would still be an important part of football — it just came with the caveat of avoiding your opponent's head.

"It's more the way you go about it," Wingard said.

"As long as the ball is the thing you're concentrating on I think the bump is going to be there, no matter what.

MARK ROBINSON: THE GAME IS THE FOOL

"It's to help the players. Obviously we don't want them to change the game too much; we love the game the way it is and so do the fans.

"But it's not like they're saying you can't bump. In the end, we're still going to attack the ball and it's still going to be a ruthless game.
"If you hit someone's head you can't do it. It's pretty black and white, I think.

"The players just want some consistency.''

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Hot Hawks bury sorry Saints

Last updated: May 03, 2014

HAWTHORN would make a decent grave digger — the reigning premier knows exactly how to bury sides.

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Why Bernie is praying for rain

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson admits Taylor Walker could have played in the AFL this week, instead he'll be making his return in round nine while his teammates take on the Melbourne Demons and former teammate Bernie Vince.

MELBOURNE is praying for rain as former Crows best-and-fairest Bernie Vince faces Adelaide for the first time at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Under new coach Paul Roos, the Demons have improved to become one of the most difficult teams to score against and Vince said a low-scoring game because of inclement weather would be ideal.

MORE: TEX DUE BACK FOR COLLINGWOOD CLASH

Melbourne is averaging 10 fewer goals scored against them this season after adopting similar strategies to the ones Roos employed at Sydney and would cherish a low-scoring game.

The big choke is on.

The difference between Sydney under Roos and Melbourne under Roos has been that the Demons have not been able to put up big scores. That is the second part of the rejuvenation under Roos.

Showers are forecast for today and if they eventuate they are likely to slow down the match.

"In the last few games we've been able to keep sides to pretty low scores but we haven't scored a lot ourselves,'' Vince said.

"But I guess if it's wet, it will suit us — low-scoring game again.

Melbourne midfielder Bernie Vince takes a look at the new Adelaide Oval. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"Our attack is probably something that's let us down a bit but getting Chris Dawes back has been great.

"Hopefully our attack can lift a bit, but (playing) in the wet might suit us.

"Being realistic where we came from, coming off winning two games last year, 'Roosy' thought the best was to turn that around was to get our defence right first, to really try to choke the opposition and stop them scoring.

"The offence hasn't been put on the backburner but that's the thing we've found the toughest: to score. And it hasn't helped to have all of our key forwards out.

"That's probably the thing we've been working on the most.

Melbourne is acutely aware of Adelaide's potential to score freely after studying Vince's old side closely over the first six rounds.

"They're a very attacking side and they've scored big,'' Vince said.

"Even in the games that they've lost it's been a real shoot-out.

"We're going to try to stop what their strength is and that's their high scoring.

"We've just got to make sure we tackle well — all the little things — (winning) the contested ball and get the ball going our way and hopefully stop their outside run.

"They build up from half back and can then attack well. We need to shut down guys like David McKay and Brodie Smith and those sort of guys who really create that run.

"They've got some real guns in there that can really hurt us but if the surface is a bit wet it might suit us a bit more."

He is aware of the close attention he is likely to receive in the midfield.

Sam Kerridge, who took his old number, is likely to be standing right next to Vince at the opening bounce.

"Seventeen (No. 17) was pretty close to me because I used to wear it but looks like I might be wearing it again tomorrow (Saturday),'' Vince said.

Bernie Vince in action for Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR BERNIE

BERNIE Vince maintains he has no hard feelings over his departure from the Crows and could not look forward more to today's match at Adelaide Oval.

He remains close to the players — and he was one of the club's most popular figures when he played for Adelaide.

Vince is also enjoying his time at his new club, as much as it was a traumatic time when he was traded.

"No, none (hard feelings) at all from me,'' Vince said.

"I'm very good mates with all the guys still and I'll certainly say G'day to them after and there's no hard feelings from my side.

"I keep in pretty close contact with a lot of them anyway.

"I'm sure it will a bit of fun out there. It probably be a little bit weird, too, because I haven't played them yet.''

Vince loved the look at Adelaide Oval, the one he just missed calling his home ground.

But his new digs aren't bad, either.

"Yeah, well, I get to play at the MCG every week,'' Vince said with a cheeky smile.

"You could argue that one as well. But I love playing anywhere, just love playing footy for a job.''

He wasn't sure what to expect from the local supporters.

Vince said he would try to shut it out, regardless of the reaction to him playing against the Crows for the first time.

"It'll be an interesting one but I can't really answer that one,'' Vince said.

"It'll be up to the supporters how they treat me.

"But I don't think it will worry me either way too much. It'll probably be a bit better if they don't boo me but we'll see what happens.''

Vince lives in Melbourne's inner-city suburb of Richmond now, not far from the MCG, and speaks highly about his new lifestyle.

But he conceded there had been some nerves before he completed the shift.

"It was the unknown, going over there, not knowing what to expect,'' Vince said.

"But the boys and the coaches and the club have been awesome.

"I've settled in really well and Melbourne feels like home now.''

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Saving Dees takes more than one man

PAUL Roos is the first proven coach - and premiership mentor - at the Melbourne Football Club since Ron Barassi made his grand return in 1981 with a five-year plan ... and with the image of a messiah.

Brenton Sanderson admits Taylor Walker could have played

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LIVE: Hawks annihilate Saints

Scott Gullan and Jay Clark look ahead to round seven, going through all the good and bad news for supercoaches.

Hawthorn's Ryan Schoenmakers was a welcome return to the line-up as his side thumper St Kilda at the MCG. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

HAWTHORN has produced its biggest ever win over St Kilda, brutally thumping the hapless Saints by 145 points in a wet weather clinic at the MCG.

Jarryd Roughead, Ryan Schoenmakers and Luke Breust all kicked four goals in the massacre, while the Hawks' defensive line gave tremendous rebound, led by Grant Birchall, Shaun Burgoyne, Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson.

However the Hawks have suffered injury blows to key players, with star midfielder Sam Mitchell (hamstring) and Norm Smith medallist Brian Lake (calf) both finishing on the interchange bench.

FOR FULL LIVE HQ COVERAGE WITH SUPERCOACH SCORES CLICK ON THE GAME IN THE SCORE CENTRE ABOVE OR CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE ON A MOBILE DEVICE

In Canberra, Port Adelaide has recovered from a slow start to lead GWS by 39 points at quarter time.

Melbourne is about to take on Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. The subs are Christian Salem (Melbourne) and Mitch Grigg (Adelaide).

Brendon Goddard returns to Essendon's line-up for the Bombers' clash with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while Sydney travels north — without Lance Franklin — to tackle the Brisbane Lions, who could be without champion forward Jonathon Brown due to general soreness.

SUPERCOACH FORMGUIDE: BUDDY MAYHEM

Hawthorn 27.13 (175) def St Kilda 4.6 (30) at MCG

GWS Giants v Port Adelaide at Startrack Oval (2.10pm)

Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval (4.10pm)

Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans at Gabba (7.40pm)

Essendon v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium (7.40pm)

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Umps okay with Cloke treatment

Collingwood's Travis Cloke is hoping for better officiating in his 200th AFL match, with the Pie being on the wrong end of several decisions so far in 2014

Collingwood star Travis Cloke in a Cat sandwich. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

THE AFL umpiring department said today it had no problems with the lack of free kicks paid to Collingwood full-forward Travis Cloke on the weekend.

Geelong defender Tom Lonergan appeared to hold Cloke in several marking contests on Saturday night, but went unpenalised throughout the match.

"While reviewing the Saturday's Collingwood-Geelong match the umpiring department looked at a few incidents involving Travis Cloke, but gave them the all clear,'' AFL umpire's coach Hayden Kennedy said on Tuesday.

HAVE YOUR SAY: IS CLOKE HARD DONE BY? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW

Vision from the match shows that Cloke appeared to be clearly infringed on at least three occasions. Midway through the first quarter Lonergan grabbed Cloke by the jumper while spoiling; early in the third term he collected Cloke high in a marking contest; and early in the last quarter he chopped Cloke's arms, tackled him without the ball and then fell into his back.

Cloke is brought down by Geelong defender Tom Lonergan. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire joked on Monday that instead of having dancers as entertainment in Friday night's match against Richmond, the Magpies would "have a massive moment if Travis Cloke actually gets a free kick for the first time in ten years''.

"There seems to be a whole rule there for Travis Cloke: you can do whatever you like to him, you can run into his back,'' McGuire said during his Triple M breakfast show.

"I'm just interested in how Travis Cloke is singled out. Last year if he touched anyone, 'oh, free kick'. This year 'away you go, just jump on top of him. Have your own rules'.''

In the pre- season Cloke spoke of how he hoped a new interpretation on the use of body strength in marking contests might work in his favour.

"If you're allowed to push a bit more and use a bit more of your body I'm all for it," Cloke said in December.

Cloke has his arm locked in a marking contest. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

"I got pinged last year pretty heavily for using what I thought was appropriate bodywork, but it's changed up a bit. I guess in the second half of (2013) the rules get pushed out a bit more and it's a little bit easier to use your body and umpires let the game flow a bit more.''

Cloke, who will play his 200th match against the Tigers, has received one free kick from his three matches this season and conceded four.

His career statistics are 178 for and 173 against.

Collingwood yesterday declined to comment on the issue, saying it was more concerned about kicking a winning score on Friday night.

AFL great Wayne Carey suggested that the more significant issue for Cloke and the Magpies was that the team was being too predictable in kicking to Cloke in one-on-one situations.

"He is a bit of a victim of his own strength," Carey said on Talking Footy.

"He's been down, hasn't been all his fault, they haven't used him well and they've gone to him at times when they shouldn't have gone to him."

Does Cloke deserve a better run from the umpires?

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Wingard to miss Lions clash

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