FINDING a way to reduce the number of soft-tissue injuries remains the AFL’s next big challenge, after recent rule changes have proved a big success in combating other more serious complaints.

While the big reduction in head and neck injuries – along with no recorded posterior cruciate injuries at centre-bounce contests – brought smiles at the release of the 2007 AFL Injury Report on Wednesday, the continued rise in hamstring and groin injuries over the past two seasons has forced the AFL to take action.

“Hamstrings and groins are the areas that are most responsible for players missing games,” AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said.

“We’re aware that the level again of hamstring and groin injuries is the biggest contributor to injuries in the AFL competition and we have research projects underway to look specifically at how we can minimise further hamstring and groin injuries.

“As part of that focus, in October this year the AFL will be hosting all the football codes at Football Australasia 2008, where one of the key topics will be how to reduce hamstring and groin injuries.”