injuryupdate
10-07-2004, 10:40 PM
The Sydney Swans are still in contention for the finals, but now have three players out for the season with anterior cruciate ligament injuries that have required a knee reconstruction. Jason Saddington, who changed direction on the SCG against the Bulldogs and felt his knee collapse, has joined Nick Malceski and Jarrad Sundqvist from the Swans on the ACL list. Sydney has had its driest autumn since 1965, its sunniest since 1935 and the second hottest on record, with warm weather continuing in June, where the average maximums have been three degrees above normal. Local councils in Sydney are advising football teams that they play at their own risk because grounds cannot be watered due to restrictions. Port Adelaide also have two players (Matthew Primus and Josh Francou) on the ACL list, which stands at seven for the entire competition in 2004, highlighting the increased risk in players from the non-Melbourne teams. Early-season injuries, injuries at the more northern venues, and recurrent names on the reconstruction list (both to the graft side and the previously unaffected side) have again dominated the AFL reconstruction list for season 2004. Read about the risk factors in AFL players. ACL injuries are more common early in the season in the all football codes, including NRL (read more), probably due to changes in ground conditions. Whilst Andrew Johns is the biggest name on the NRL list, there are eight players from the NRL who have had reconstructions already in 2004. Grounds in the northern parts of Australia are likely to be pure couch grass early in the season, with a thick 'thatch' layer that increases grip and the risk of ACL injury (see diagram to right).