The AFL Demand
Australian Rules football is one of the highest total-running-load team sports in the world. Midfielders cover 12-15 km a game across four quarters, often in summer pre-season conditions when ambient temperatures climb. The stop-start nature of stoppages and breaks gives more drinking windows than continuous sports, which the smarter players use.
Pre-Match
Most AFL hydration plans start the night before - a relaxed evening with normal eating and steady fluid. Match-morning intake is moderate; nothing too volume-heavy to avoid early bathroom stops. A standard breakfast plus 400-600 ml of fluid over the next 2-3 hours is the baseline.
During
Quarter breaks and stoppages are when players take on most of their fluid. Standard club setups include a sports drink (often Gatorade or Powerade as the league/club sponsor) plus water. Some clubs add electrolyte powders or tablets (Endura, Nuun) on top depending on the player's preferences.
Hot Pre-Season
February and March training in Australia is where the heat genuinely tests hydration plans. Many clubs do sweat-rate testing at this point - a player weighs in pre and post session, the difference (minus what they drank during) gives an honest sweat rate. From there, individual plans get sharper.
Recovery
Post-match hydration is straightforward - fluid plus food. Sodium-containing recovery drinks (Hydralyte, Precision F&H) earn their place after particularly hot games.
For Park Players Too
Most of this scales down to community-level AFL. The principles are the same: drink steadily through quarter breaks, lean on the standard sports drink for the carb-electrolyte combo, add something extra for the hot ones.
Frequently Asked
What do AFL players drink?
Standard club setups include water plus a sponsor sports drink (often Gatorade or Powerade). Some players add electrolyte tablets or sachets for hot conditions.
How do you hydrate for an AFL game?
Steady hydration through the day before, a glass with breakfast on game day, and steady intake at quarter breaks. Don't slam fluid right before bouncedown.
Do AFL players need extra electrolytes?
For pre-season summer training, often yes. Match-day intake depends on conditions - hot days warrant sodium-containing drinks alongside water.
