Former Collingwood sports science director David Buttifant has raised concerns over the AFL’s extended off-season, suggesting it may be contributing to a recent spike in player injuries. Buttifant argues that clubs need more contact time with players between seasons to prevent injuries, a claim that challenges the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) stipulations.
The debate has intensified following the return of players from the Christmas break, which has been marred by a series of injuries. Notably, North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer and Carlton’s Jesse Motlop have both suffered ACL tears, sidelining them for the 2026 season. Additionally, Collingwood’s Darcy Moore and Jeremy Howe have encountered minor calf strains, while Isaac Quaynor is dealing with a hamstring issue.
Extended Off-Season: A Double-Edged Sword?
The current CBA mandates a minimum of nine weeks off for players, a week longer than previous agreements. This extended break means that teams not participating in finals could have up to 90 days of remote work, depending on their schedule. The agreement also restricts clubs to semi-regular contact during the off-season, based on player needs and welfare.
Buttifant, who was part of Collingwood’s golden era under coach Michael Malthouse, believes this approach may be counterproductive.
“I think the thing is that when we give so much time off, it can inhibit development and growth, particularly in some of the younger players,” Buttifant told Zero Hanger.
He explained that the limited pre-Christmas training and the subsequent high-intensity return predispose players to injuries.
Unmonitored Off-Season Training: A Potential Risk
Another factor contributing to the injury risk is the nature of players’ off-season training. While players often engage in personal fitness projects to enhance their athletic abilities, these activities are not closely monitored by clubs. This lack of oversight can lead to training that does not align with club methodologies, potentially causing overtraining or undertraining.
Buttifant expressed concern over this issue, stating,
“It’s not being monitored as closely because they could be going to people that really may be compromising the methodology or principles that the club would want.”
He emphasized the importance of quality control to ensure that external training aligns with club-prescribed programs.
Implications for Player Health and Performance
The implications of these practices are significant. Players who suffer from interrupted pre-seasons due to injuries are more likely to experience disrupted seasons. Buttifant highlighted research supporting this claim, noting that athletes with soft tissue injuries often miss critical training periods, affecting their readiness for the season’s start.
He stated,
“If you have an interrupted pre-season through soft tissue or other injury, more than likely you’re going to have an interrupted season.”
This situation is particularly concerning for younger players, who are statistically more prone to injuries than their more experienced counterparts.
Looking Forward: Potential Changes to the CBA
Buttifant advocates for increased contact time between clubs and players during the off-season. He believes this would not only help in monitoring and mitigating potential issues but also support player well-being.
“I think more contact time would definitely help because then you can monitor, you can mitigate those things that are out of your control,” he added.
As the AFL continues to grapple with these challenges, the conversation around off-season structures and player welfare is likely to evolve. The league may need to reassess its CBA terms to strike a balance between rest and readiness, ensuring players are both well-rested and adequately prepared for the demands of the season.
In the meantime, clubs and players must navigate the complexities of off-season training, seeking to optimize performance while minimizing injury risks. The ongoing dialogue between stakeholders will be crucial in shaping the future of player management in the AFL.
