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This study aimed to investigate how ecological constraints influence individual player skill demands in community-level junior Australian Football (AF). Footage from 68 junior AF games, incorporating 1874 unique players, were analysed for individual skill demands such as disposals, kicks, handballs, tackles, marks, and shots at goal per player per game. Multiple linear mixed effect models were created for each skill, using player as a random effect. The impact of age, relative area per player (RAPP), number of players on the team, quarters in midfield, and weather on skill demands was assessed in U9-U14 boys. Finally, the influence of sex on the same skills was explored in U11-U14 boys and girls. Younger players were found to have fewer disposals and handballs, but more tackles, per player than older players (all p < 0.05). Further, more quarters in the midfield increased all skill demands (all p < 0.001). Finally, girls had fewer disposals and marks, but more tackles, per player than boys (all p < 0.05). Overall, age, sex, and position significantly impacted players' exposure to skills in junior AF. Game designers should consider methods to improve skill involvement and reduce tackling exposure early in the junior pathway, with further emphasis on the girls' game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in semi-elite Australian footballers is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and depressive symptoms in semi-elite Australian Football players. Our secondary objective was to explore the association between demographic and football-specific factors with GAD and depressive symptoms. A cross-sectional epidemiological study including 369 semi-elite Western Australian Football League (WAFL) players from the Men and Women's 2022 season (n = 337 men, 91%) was conducted. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale (PHQ-9) and symptoms of GAD with the GAD-7 scale., Results: Our response rate was 82.9%. Thirteen players had missing data. The prevalence of GAD symptoms was 8.5% in men and 28.6% in women (10% overall). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 20% in men and 57% in women (23% overall). Being a woman (gender) was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of GAD and/or depression symptoms [odds ratio (OR): 7.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-16.92; p < 0.001]. Players of 'Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander' ethnicity were two times more likely to report GAD and/or depression symptoms in comparison to players of 'Australian' ethnicity (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.01-4.49; p = 0.048). Concussion history was not a significant risk factor for GAD or depression symptoms., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that approximately 1 in 10 WAFL players met the diagnostic cut-off criteria for probable GAD, and 1 in 5 for probable depression. The prevalence for depression symptoms in this study were far higher than the national average in the comparative age bracket. WAFL women's players also reported a substantially higher prevalence of GAD and depressive symptoms than men, and should be further investigated as a priority by the WAFL., (© 2023. The Author(s).)