Just five rounds into the season, several big names across the AFL have been ruled out for the year with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

Richmond defender Alex Rance ruptured his ACL in the opening match against Carlton, then, days later, Adelaide’s Tom Doedee did the same against Hawthorn.

Add GWS captain Callan Ward to the mix and the question becomes: are we seeing more ACL injuries than usual in 2019?

Dr Will Duncan, a leading orthopaedic surgeon, doesn’t think so.

“We always look to blame and figure out why,” Duncan told The Crows Shows, brought to you by Optus.

“At the start of the season it looks like more, but they tend to drop off once people settle into their programs.

“It’s probably just a blip in the cycle.”

Players tend to rupture an ACL through one of two ways: a sharp twist from a planted foot or an awkward landing following a mark or spoil attempt.

Historically, players rarely return to their best immediately upon return.

“The AFL and some orthopaedic surgeons have looked at stats pre-injury and then on return,” Duncan said.

“Certainly player stats aren’t as good the first season back.”

Crows Science and Medical Services Coordinator Steve Saunders said players undertake conditioning and strength training to avoid ACL injuries.

“If you do particular jump landing and muscle strengthening programs, you markedly reduce the risk of doing an ACL,” Saunders said.

Also on The Crows Show this week, Brodie Smith is put under the microscope by ruckman Sam Jacobs, coach Don Pyke faces former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett on the golf course and Richard Douglas talks his junior football days.

The Crows Show will air on Sunday at 11.30am on Channel 7.