Adelaide football operations manager Adam Kelly has confirmed that the AFL is responding to club concerns regarding the impact of the February AFL Origin match amid a season marked by a surge in soft tissue injuries. The Crows have been particularly affected, grappling with the lingering effects of the representative clash that sidelined key recruit Callum Ah Chee for much of the campaign due to recurring hamstring problems.

Injuries have disrupted several prominent players across the competition. Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage, known for his durability, has battled a persistent calf issue, while reigning Brownlow Medalist Matt Rowell missed more than a month of the Gold Coast Suns’ season after suffering a broken finger during the Origin game. These incidents have intensified scrutiny over the scheduling and management of the Origin fixture.

Speaking to ABC Grandstand, Kelly emphasized that while the club is mindful of injury risks, the AFL has been receptive to feedback and is considering various adjustments to reduce the Origin match’s impact on players and the regular season. Potential measures include altering the timing of the game, increasing the number of players available on the bench, and shortening game duration — all aimed at preserving the event’s appeal while safeguarding player welfare.

The Crows continue to manage an extensive injury list, with six players sidelined due to soft tissue issues following their 57-point defeat of the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, including the loss of Luke Pedlar to another hamstring strain early in the match. However, Kelly challenged characterizations of the situation as an “epidemic,” noting Adelaide ranks third-lowest across the league in terms of games lost to injury this season.

“The noticeable factor is the calibre of players affected, which has had a tangible impact, but it is not a widespread crisis within our club,” Kelly said. He also pointed to the increased pace of the game as a possible factor driving injury rates league-wide, with some clubs reportedly harder hit than others.

Following a slow start to the season, Adelaide has shown signs of improvement, climbing to fifth on the AFL ladder with an 8-5 record. Kelly defended head coach Matthew Nicks’ game plan, stating recent form reflects a return to the team’s typical style of play rather than any strategic overhaul. He highlighted the narrow margins in their early losses as evidence that competitiveness has been sustained.

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Suns face potential sanctions over conduct towards match officials. The AFL is reviewing incidents involving the Suns, including criticism from coach Damien Hardwick and a fifth consecutive case of umpire contact involving players. AFL football operations chief Greg Swann has discretion to impose fines of up to $50,000, following earlier league warnings about player interactions with umpires. Recent fines include one issued to Daniel Rioli in Gold Coast’s recent defeat against Geelong.