New Contact Framework Announced
The AFL has confirmed that from the 2027 season onward, all AFL and AFLW clubs must adhere to a new contact training framework designed to limit head trauma and concussion risks. The league will classify training sessions into six categories, with specific time limits for contact drills during pre-season and in-season training.
Background and Key Incidents
The decision follows a coroner's report in 2023 and high-profile concussion cases. At Collingwood, Jordan De Goey suffered a concussion at training in 2025, while Nathan Murphy was medically forced to retire in 2024 after a training-related concussion. These incidents underscored the need for stricter protocols.
Details of the Policy
According to Tom Morris on The Agenda Setters, the AFL informed CEOs that after this season, contact training limits will be introduced. A contact training consultation group will define exact hours and distinguish contact drills from non-contact activities. The AFL will determine the allowable minutes and hours per category for clubs starting from the next pre-season for AFL and AFLW teams.
"The days of bringing your mouth guard to training are officially over at the end of this season," Morris said. "This follows a coroner’s report in 2023, and it’s a necessary step according to the AFL to protect the heads of players."
Impact on the Game
Nick Riewoldt expressed concern that the limits could affect the on-field product. "Well I would ask why. Like, have we been having a spate of injuries at training? Will it improve the product? That’s probably the counter to the argument but anything that’s going to look after the health of players, you won’t get too many arguments," he said.
Morris added that most clubs view the move as reasonable with minimal practical difference to training routines. "But it is a big task that Laura Kane and Greg Swan have undertaken the last few months to come up with this resolution," he noted.
Implementation Timeline
The limits will take effect from the 2027 pre-season for AFL clubs and from the next AFLW season. The AFL will continue to refine the classification system and monitor compliance to ensure player safety without compromising the quality of the game.
