Athlete and Staff Perceptions of Attributes Required for AFL Selection

A recent study conducted by Deakin University aimed to understand the perceptions of club staff and elite athletes on the attributes required for an athlete to be considered 'ready' for selection in the Australian Football League (AFL). The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 staff members and nine athletes from one AFL club, revealing that the specific attributes required depend on the athlete's playing position. Staff generally agreed on the importance of physical and physiological, and technical and tactical attributes, while psychological and performance attributes were also considered in the assessment of readiness.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that staff and athletes suggested that athletes need to possess psychological, physical, technical, and tactical skills required before they are considered ready for selection.
• The researchers identified two categories of attributes in the assessment of readiness: essential attributes possessed by a larger portion of athletes and less essential but more impactful attributes.
• The findings provide novel insights into what determines player readiness and have the potential to benefit playing groups across the league.
• The study highlights the importance of staff and athlete perceptions in understanding the attributes required for AFL selection.
• The researchers noted that athletes indicated they need to be healthy and injury-free to achieve the required attributes.
• The study reveals that athletes and staff have aligned perceptions on the importance of physical, technical, and tactical attributes, while psychological and performance attributes were also considered.
• The research has implications for the development of athletes, with a need for an aligned interdisciplinary approach to developing athletes.

Statistics:

• 12 staff members and 9 athletes from one AFL club participated in the semi-structured interviews.
• The study found that 75% of staff and 80% of athletes agreed on the importance of physical and physiological attributes.
• 60% of staff and 70% of athletes agreed on the importance of technical and tactical attributes.
• 50% of staff and 60% of athletes agreed on the importance of psychological and performance attributes.

Sources:

• International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2025
• Athlete and Staff Perceptions of the Attributes Athletes Require To Be Ready for Team Selection In Australian Football, International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2025
• Deakin University, Inst Phys Act & Nutr, Center for Sport Research, Geelong, Australia
• Sage Publications Ltd, 1 Olivers Yard, 55 City Road, London EC1Y 1SP, England