when does the common player reach his prime ?

when does the common player reach his prime ?

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Craigyboy

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#4
I think it has changed over time. I started watching the game in the 1970's and noticed through to the mid-90's that the Players seemed to peak from age 27-28. However in the last 15 years or so I reckon that the average Player now peaks younger, say aged 25-26.

Why is this? First and foremost; I think it's because the modern game is faster so this now favours a younger body. Also; the Players are better athletes these days and are better conditioned as juniors so therefore they reach their peak faster.
 

God Mode

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#5
I think it has changed over time. I started watching the game in the 1970's and noticed through to the mid-90's that the Players seemed to peak from age 27-28. However in the last 15 years or so I reckon that the average Player now peaks younger, say aged 25-26.

Why is this? First and foremost; I think it's because the modern game is faster so this now favours a younger body. Also; the Players are better athletes these days and are better conditioned as juniors so therefore they reach their peak faster.
I was always told this when I asked the question. I think perhaps because players also start there senior careers at around 18 yo as opposed to 20/21 in previous eras
 

Craigyboy

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#6
I was always told this when I asked the question. I think perhaps because players also start there senior careers at around 18 yo as opposed to 20/21 in previous eras
That's a really good point :thumbsu:.....These days they arrive almost exclusively out of High School (obviously via the Draft.) Whereas in the past you also got blokes out of the Suburban and Country Football Clubs, who might have been a bit older. Also; back then you got the odd Player who was for example aged mid-20's or so and had been around the traps (even perhaps the VFA.) Despite the fact that they had never been in the "VFL System" as such; they could still potentially get picked up and have 50/100+ game careers. Of course; in those days the gap in talent wasn't as great between the Suburban Club, VFA and VFL levels.
 
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