Apex36
Hall of Famer
- Mar 26, 2014
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- AFL Club
- Collingwood
Yeah ACL's are more common in the AFL, but the two injuries are in a whole different ball park. Much different surgery, longer rehab, shorter average career span.ACL injuries are far more common in the AFL, right? My understanding is that tendons and ligaments are very similar in structure and mostly vary in purpose (tendons connecting bone to muscle; ligaments connecting bone to bone) so I would think the treatment and rehab would be similar. ACLs used to be a career killer but in the past decade have improved dramatically to the point where a lot of players can get back to their best footy within 2 years of doing an ACL.
But like I've said. This is all theory. The stats you present are concerning but I weigh that up against the other stuff I've mentioned about Hawthorn and O'Meara. And at the end of the day we'll just have to sit back and see what happens.
You're right that it's all theory at this point, but I have to say I'm glad it was your club that took the punt and not mine. It's a massive gamble at the end of the day, particularly for what Hawthorn gave up to get him there.