- Banned
- #4,051
Actually and surprisingly, no.
All players have their preplanned and designated rotations based on the strategic game plan and their role within that.
All players are monitored via GPS and have “red lines” per rotation for km travelled and frequency of burst speed (instances of sustained speed >2.2 secs). If they hit either of the red lines early in their rotation, they are benched. The example the Brisbane guy gave was that of a player with soft hamstrings hitting his burst speed parameters early.
Then the Bench Coach, in consultation with the medicos and the high performance manager, changes the planned rotations.
So theoretically, if player x hits a red line five minutes into the first and is benched, the preplanned interchange is affected from that point.
So the pace/style of the game will have a greater impact on rotations than injury. Which surprised me.
Injuries are of course significant but not in the way we would expect.
The whole process is data driven.
The Brisbane guy made fascinating listening.
As observers and supporters we get a completely different, and wrong, impression of the interchange.
It is interesting to read - I gather the science is backed up by stats showing a reduction in injuries? How do they calculate the base level (red line) for players? How does that equate to AFL which is such a ebb and flow game?
Gees that would restrict what you can do as a coach on game day. Is it any wonder Richo spends most games looking overwhelmed.
I can understand it applying to players with a history of hamstring issues or similiar, but otherwise I be wanting to let players go when the are playing well eg Paddy.