The AFL today released the 2017 AFL Injury Survey, which showed the overall injury incidence, prevalence and recurrence rates had remained stable when compared to recent years.

AFL General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said the 26th annual Injury Survey had seen a slight increase in the number of games missed due to injury per club during a season from 139.8 games in 2016 to 141.3 games in 2017.

The injury incidence (number of new injuries per club per season) for 2017 was 35.1 injuries per club compared to the 2016 number of 37.

Hamstring strains remain the most common injury, with an incidence of 4.9 new injuries per club and are the most common cause of matches missed (16.6 matches missed per club). The rate of hamstring strains continues to be relatively stable, although the prevalence and recurrence rates (14%) are low compared to recent years. After a spike in calf injuries in 2013 (3.7 new injuries per club) the incidence rate has since returned to historical low levels, with an incidence of 2.1 new injuries per club.

Mr Hocking said the incidence and prevalence of leg and foot stress fractures have returned to historical low levels, following a single year of lower incidence and prevalence rates in 2016. The reasons for this remain unclear.

Concussion rates remains relatively stable with approximately seven injuries per team per year (all diagnosed concussions, not just those that cause missed matches). The incidence and prevalence of concussions causing matches to be missed appears to have levelled off in 2017, although concussions continue to be managed conservatively.

Mr Hocking thanked the club doctors, physiotherapists and their respective associations for their continued support and involvement in providing data for the injury survey. The survey results have a direct impact on the AFL’s investment in injury research for the wider benefit of both the AFL competition and the game at all levels, including grassroots football.

"The health and safety of all players is a major priority. Our annual injury survey provides information that is utilised on work with our Clubs, Research Board and others to continue to find ways to decrease the incidence and prevalence of injuries as well as improving management and recovery protocols," Mr Hocking said.

"Within the bounds of a contact sport, our aim is to provide players with a safe environment with a key focus on our rules and our approach to the game. The results of the survey provide us with key information we need to continue to improve our game for our players, club staff and fans."

The AFL Injury Survey Results were presented to the AFL Doctors and Physiotherapists Associations and all clubs earlier this week.