AFL Cuts Contact Training To Fight Concussion Problem
AFL sets 120-minute contact cap as concussion rules tighten from 2027. AFL overhauls training after Shane Tuck CTE case and concussion crisis.
AFL introduces training limits to protect players from concussion...
The AFL has announced contact training limits from 2027 following recommendations after Shane Tuck’s death. Concussions were found to be most common in match simulation drills.
The AFL will limit contact and high-intensity training from 2027. The league says player welfare is the top priority amid a class action and repeated concussion retirements.
The AFL announced new limits on contact training on Monday in an effort to cut down on concussions that have plagued the sport.
Head injuries have become a major issue for the hugely popular game, known for its heavy collisions, tackles and spectacular high-marking.
A number of players have been forced to quit the game after suffering repeated concussions. The AFL is also dealing with a pending class action lawsuit.
The new rules follow recommendations from a coroner’s report into the 2020 death of former player Shane Tuck. Tuck died aged 38 and was later found to have CTE, the degenerative brain disease.
“The health and welfare of our players is the AFL's highest priority,” said Laura Kane, AFL executive GM of health and football operations.
“We recognise head trauma is a risk for Australian football, as it is for all contact sports globally, which is why the AFL's comprehensive concussion and head trauma framework is in place.”
From 2027, all 18 AFL clubs will be capped at 120 minutes of contact training per week during the first month of pre-season. That includes a maximum of one hour of high-intensity contact.
The cap rises from week five of pre-season through to the start of the season, going up to 160 minutes of contact and 120 minutes of high-intensity training to fit match-like conditions.
High-intensity contact sessions cannot be held on back-to-back days. Clubs must also hand over training footage to the AFL when asked.
The AFL is introducing limits to contact drills at training in 2027, per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/iFB4M9Svo9
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 24, 2026
The changes follow a two-year review with club football managers, coaches, doctors and players. It found most concussions happened during match simulation and small-sided, high-intensity drills.
“The framework is based on world-class medical advice and is constantly evolving as we deepen our learning and understanding,” added Kane.
“The prevention and management of head trauma, and the introduction of AFL pre-season contact training limits is a further step towards achieving our goal of being a global leader in brain health and concussion and head trauma.”
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