Collingwood premiership defender Jeremy Howe has voiced concerns over the increasing demands of AFL programs, suggesting they might be fueling an off-season injury surge. The Magpies have been particularly hard-hit, with players such as Howe and Darcy Moore suffering calf injuries, while Dan McStay grapples with a hamstring issue.
Meanwhile, the injury list extends beyond Collingwood. North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer and Carlton’s Jesse Motlop both sustained ACL injuries last week. Other prominent players like Hawthorn’s Will Day, Melbourne’s Max Gawn, and the Giants’ stars Toby Greene and Clayton Oliver have also been sidelined.
Intensifying Demands of the Game
Howe attributes the rising injury toll to the ever-increasing workload and intensity that players face as clubs strive for a competitive edge. Speaking on SEN radio, Howe remarked, “The game is not getting any easier.” He elaborated on how players are pushed to find an extra 5-10 percent in performance, driven by more rigorous fitness regimes and strategic game plans.
Howe reflected on the challenges faced by seasoned players like Scott Pendlebury, noting that the current pre-season demands would make it difficult to sustain a long career. “If he did 20 pre-seasons like they’re built up now, it’d be pretty hard for him to play 400,” Howe observed.
Player Autonomy and Fitness Expectations
The 35-year-old defender emphasized the importance of player autonomy during off-season breaks, stressing that those who fail to maintain fitness could struggle to catch up. “There’s always autonomy in programs and trust gets handed out,” Howe said, highlighting the need for players to self-manage their conditioning.
He added, “There’s an expectation you come back ready to train. In an industry where, if you fall behind, it’s almost impossible to catch up.” Howe expressed confidence in his teammates’ commitment to maintaining fitness, noting that their return to training has been promising.
Managing Personal Setbacks
Discussing his own calf injury, Howe described it as a minor setback, not expected to impact his participation in upcoming practice games. “For me, it’s deload for seven days, then build straight back up,” he explained, expressing optimism about his recovery plan.
Despite the spate of injuries and Bobby Hill’s personal leave, Howe remains positive about Collingwood’s pre-season trajectory. He acknowledged the typical pre-season optimism, stating, “Like with a lot of clubs, it’s filled with optimism at the moment.”
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the pre-season progresses, Howe is eager for practice games and match simulations, which he believes are crucial for players to showcase their skills. “Praccy games are just around the corner,” he said, noting the excitement that builds as the season approaches.
Collingwood is set to kick off their season against St Kilda on March 8 at the MCG, with Howe and his teammates keen to overcome their injury challenges and make a strong start.
