In a concerning incident during the AFL’s pre-season competition, St Kilda’s Mitch Owens sustained a shoulder injury after a collision with Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman, which was initiated by a push from Jordan Sweet of Port Adelaide. This event marks another injury linked to aggressive tactics in marking contests, raising alarms among players and coaches alike.
Following the match at Moorabbin, St Kilda’s assistant coach Corey Enright expressed uncertainty about the severity of Owens’ injury, acknowledging the player’s toughness in the face of considerable impact. He mentioned, “It must have been a significant clash for him to do whatever he’s done,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of injuries in such physical contests.
Owens is not alone; players including Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane, Jordan Croft of the Western Bulldogs, and West Coast’s Sam Lalor have also faced injuries this pre-season under similar circumstances. This trend of injuries triggered immediate discussions about the safety protocols within the game.
Former North Melbourne player David King has voiced his concern, urging the AFL to intervene decisively to mitigate risks associated with these scenarios. He described the situation as “dangerous,” stressing the need for prompt action to prevent further injuries. Additionally, former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna remarked on the concerning frequency of such incidents, noting that they should prompt a serious review of practices surrounding marking contests.
Port Adelaide’s assistant coach, Chad Cornes, acknowledged the growing concern over injuries resulting from pushes in marking situations. He mentioned, “I know there has been three of them over the weekend possibly,” suggesting that any emerging patterns will be scrutinised further by the coaching staff.
Although Cornes affirmed that such plays are not encouraged in their training, he acknowledged the reality that players sometimes find themselves in precarious positions on the field.
In the practice match, Port Adelaide emerged victorious with a score of 93 to 49 against St Kilda, setting the stage for their forthcoming premiership campaign. They will kick off their official season against Collingwood at the MCG on March 15, while St Kilda will take on Adelaide the following day at the Adelaide Oval. As the teams prepare for the season ahead, the focus on player safety and injury prevention will likely remain a pivotal conversation in the AFL community.