A multidimensional approach to talent identification and selection in high-level youth Australian football

Introduction and Aims: There is an absence of talent identification research in youth Australian Football focusing on the factors underpinning selection into high-level development programs. This study explored the age-related differences in high-level youth Australian Football players and investigated characteristics influencing selection into a development program. Methods: Youth academy Australian Football players’ (n=277) anthropometry (stature, sitting height, body mass), maturity status (estimated age at peak height velocity), motor competence (Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder), physical fitness (change of direction speed, lower body power, upper body muscular endurance), and technical skill (subjective coach skill ratings) were assessed. Players were grouped according to their chronological age divisions: under-13, under-14, and under-15. Multivariate analysis of variance examined age-related differences in player’s performance characteristics. A discriminant analysis explored the classification accuracy of player’s performance characteristics. Results: Older players displayed significant superiorities in anthropometry, physical fitness, and subjective technical skill. The multidimensional assessment battery classified 90.9 and 90.0% of under-15 selected and deselected players. Selected players were more mature, taller, heavier, more explosive, faster at changing directions, and possessed greater kick technique and marking performance. Conclusions: Considerable age-related differences – increases in anthropometry, physical fitness, and subjective technical skills – are evident within youth Australian Football. Notably, early maturing players are favoured in the high-level academy development program’s selection process. This might be a consequence of coaching biases or a requirement of older development squads to meet the needs of high competition standards and prepare for the Australian Football League Draft.