Global Positioning System–Derived Match Demands and Their Association With On-Field Technical Performance in Elite Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) Athletes

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Purpose : This study sought to determine the associations between global positioning system-derived match demands and technical performance in elite Australian Football League Women’s athletes. Methods : Global positioning system match demands (total distance, speed, acceleration, high-intensity running [>19 km·h −1 ], very high-intensity running [>21 km·h −1 ], sprint distances [>24 km·h −1 ]) were measured with Catapult Vector S7 global positioning system units during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Champion Data ranking points and best and fairest votes for each game were considered technical performance outcomes. Linear mixed effects regression models examined associations between match demands and technical performance, adjusting for season, ground location, and playing position. Results : Five hundred sixty-six player match profiles from 32 athletes across the 2 seasons were analyzed. Ranking points were significantly ( P < .001) associated with total distance ( R 2 = .29 [95% CI .22–.40]), speed ( R 2 = .01 [.00–.15]), and acceleration ( R 2 = .09 [.00–.23]). Best and fairest votes were significantly ( P < .001) associated with total distance ( R 2 = .23 [.17–.34]), speed ( R 2 = .01 [.00–.11]), acceleration ( R 2 = .05 [.00–.17]), and very high-intensity running distance per minute ( R 2 = .00 [.00–.13]). Conclusions : Total distance, speed, acceleration, and very high-intensity running distance per minute were associated with Champion Data ranking points and best and fairest votes across Australian Football League Women’s seasons 2023 and 2024. This suggests that athletes who cover greater total distances and achieve higher average acceleration get more opportunities to be involved in match-play and demonstrate higher levels of technical performance.

This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit: