Training loads, player wellness and injury risk in elite junior Australian football players

The research of this Thesis highlighted the importance of monitoring both load and player wellness in the optimal management of elite junior Australian football players. This research identified a U-curve relationship between load and injury as well as associations between load and wellness and wellness and injury. Players require the right amount of training to develop their physical resilience for the demands of competition but not too much as this can increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as injury. Further, player wellness should be monitored and closely managed. This improved player management will assist in the prevention of injury, long-term performance and career success.