NAB AFL Draft Combine

Summary

The NAB AFL Combine showcases the rigorous testing process that identifies talent for the AFL. It measures key physical and mental attributes including speed, agility, endurance, and football skills. Tests such as the 20m Sprint, AFL Agility Test, and 3km Time Trial assess an athlete’s ability to perform under pressure, while tests for skills like handball and kicking emphasize technique and accuracy. These tests are essential for building an athlete's profile, determining their potential position, and ensuring they can thrive in the competitive demands of AFL football.

Takeaways

• 😀 Players in the AFL need a combination of great football skills, athleticism, and mental toughness to succeed at the elite level.
• 😀 The AFL conducts various talent combines to identify athletes with the potential to play at the highest level.
• 😀 The AFL draft combine, under the Australian Institute of Sport, is the final step in the talent identification process for the AFL draft.
• 😀 Anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, arm length, and hand span, are used to build athletic profiles for players.
• 😀 Psycho-motor tests measure decision-making speed, consistency, reaction time, and peripheral awareness, which are crucial for AFL performance.
• 😀 The 20m Sprint test measures an athlete's acceleration and raw speed, important for gaining possession or evading opponents.
• 😀 The AFL agility test evaluates a player's ability to decelerate and accelerate when changing direction, useful for breaking clear of stoppages.
• 😀 The 30m Repeat Sprint Ability test measures a player’s capacity to perform repeated maximal sprints and maintain performance despite fatigue.
• 😀 The 20m Shuttle Run test assesses aerobic endurance and running efficiency, essential for covering long distances and participating in multiple contests.
• 😀 The 3km Time Trial tests aerobic endurance, mental toughness, and running efficiency, especially in the final moments of a game when fatigue sets in.
• 😀 Kicking and handballing skills are crucial for AFL players, with tests evaluating technique, speed, accuracy, and delivery over varying distances.

Q & A

What is the NAB AFL Combine, and why is it important?

The NAB AFL Combine is a series of tests conducted to assess the athleticism, football skills, and mental toughness of players aspiring to play at the elite level in the AFL. It is crucial in the talent identification process, helping AFL clubs determine which players have the potential to succeed in the national competition.

What are some of the key anthropometric measures taken during the NAB AFL Combine?

The key anthropometric measures include height, weight, skinfold measurements, arm length, and hand span. These help to build an athletic profile and assist in identifying the physical attributes that could determine the best field position for a player.

Why are arm length and hand span significant in the NAB AFL Combine?

Arm length and hand span are important as they can impact a player's reach, which is particularly significant for positions like ruckmen. Longer arms can provide an advantage in contests around the ground, such as when reaching for the ball or in marking situations.

How does the NAB AFL Combine test a player's decision-making skills?

The NAB AFL Combine includes psychomotor tests where participants react to visual stimuli by tapping buttons on a lightboard. These tests measure the player's decision-making speed, consistency, reaction time, and peripheral awareness, all crucial for quick decision-making on the field.

What is the purpose of the 20-meter sprint test?

The 20-meter sprint test is designed to measure an athlete's raw speed and acceleration. It indicates how quickly a player can burst from a stoppage, reach the ball first, or sprint to chase down an opponent.

What skills does the AFL agility test assess?

The AFL agility test measures an athlete's ability to decelerate efficiently and accelerate powerfully while changing direction. This is vital for evading opponents and breaking free from stoppages.

What does the 30-meter repeat sprint ability test measure?

The 30-meter repeat sprint ability test evaluates a player's capacity to perform maximal sprints repeatedly and the rate at which fatigue affects their performance. It reflects the demands of AFL, where quick sprints and recovery are necessary throughout the game.

How does the 20-meter shuttle run test assess a player's endurance?

The 20-meter shuttle run test measures aerobic endurance and running efficiency by requiring participants to run back and forth over 20 meters, with the time between beeps gradually decreasing. It reflects the endurance needed for AFL, where players must cover large distances during the game.

Why is the 3 km time trial test included in the NAB AFL Combine?

The 3 km time trial measures aerobic endurance, running efficiency, and mental toughness. It reflects the ability to maintain performance and participate in crucial contests, even when fatigued, as seen in the final minutes of each quarter.

How do the kicking and Clean Hands handball tests contribute to evaluating a player's skills?

The kicking and Clean Hands handball tests assess the technique, speed, trajectory, accuracy, and execution of fundamental skills. These skills are essential for a player to make an impact when in possession of the ball, minimize turnovers, and execute clean passes and kicks in high-pressure situations.