Evolution of Athlete Match Demands in Australian Football League Women's (AFLW)

Strategic Insights -

Athletes competing in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) are seeing significant increases in match demands, with a notable jump in total distance covered and high-intensity running. Research conducted at the University of South Australia tracked 42 athletes over three seasons (2022-2023) and found that match demands increased across all positional groups. The study's findings will aid in the development of more effective training programs for AFLW athletes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Total distance covered by AFLW athletes increased by 344 meters between seasons 6 and 7 and 971 meters between seasons 7 and 8.
  • High-intensity running (HIR) and very high-intensity running (VHIR) also saw significant increases, with a 13% and 20% rise, respectively, over the three seasons.
  • The research found that match demands increased by 0.33 and 0.72 effect sizes (d) between seasons 6 and 7 and 7 and 8, respectively.
  • The study included 42 athletes from one AFLW club, who played at least one match across seasons 6 to 8.
  • Linear mixed-effects regression models were used to examine changes in match demands over time for the cohort and playing-position groups.
  • The research concluded that the findings provide a comprehensive evaluation of current AFLW match demands and will assist in future athlete preparation.
  • Additional authors on the research include Brooke Jenner, Steven Milanese, Jordan Sellar, Darren Burgess, and John Arnold.

Statistics:

  • Total distance covered by AFLW athletes increased by 1315 meters (344 + 971) over the three seasons.
  • High-intensity running (HIR) increased by 13% over the three seasons.
  • Very high-intensity running (VHIR) increased by 20% over the three seasons.
  • Effect sizes (d) increased by 0.33 and 0.72 between seasons 6 and 7 and 7 and 8, respectively.
  • The study included 42 athletes from one AFLW club.
  • Match demands increased by 344 meters and 971 meters between seasons 6 and 7 and 7 and 8, respectively.

Sources:

  • Evolution of Athlete Match Demands Across 3 Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) Seasons. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2025:1-14. Human Kinetics Publ Inc, 1607 N Market St, PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-2200, USA.
  • NewsRx. University of South Australia Reports Findings in Science [Evolution of Athlete Match Demands Across 3 Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) Seasons]. Entertainment Newsweekly. July 11, 2025; p 99.