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The declining age of peak performance in the Australian Football League: a position-dependent analysis (2012-2025)
Shane A Richards1, Dean Dagan2, Binuk Kodituwakku3
1School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia.
Abstract:
This study investigates changes in peak performance age among AFL players from 2012 to 2025 using player rating data across 118,185 games. Peak age declined across all six positions investigated, shifting 2-4 years younger, with the largest changes in ruck and key defenders. By 2025, peak age was 23-24 years for all positions. These trends indicate a narrowing performance gap between younger and older players, consistent with advances in sports science and youth development programs. The analysis provides a benchmarking tool for evaluating player impact with potential to inform list management decisions.
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