Patrick Dangerfield explains why he doesn’t like the idea of AFLX State of Origin
There was plenty of debate in the lead-up to AFLX but now that the tournament has been run and won, what does that mean for the future? SAM LANDSBERGER has the latest on what’s next for the concept.
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The AFL has no immediate plans to launch an AFLX showcase tournament overseas as it emerges captains told their squads to play it safe and avoid heavy collisions on Friday night.
Players want to push forward with the experiment and while some industry figures thought a trip to New York was in the pipeline the AFL has not formalised any expansion plans.
Revenue from broadcast rights, commercial partners and spectators helped cover costs for Friday night’s tournament.
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The league said AFLX did not drain funds from other areas with investment in community and women’s football continuing to grow.
An extra round of JLT Community Series would’ve seen nine games compete with a round of AFLW rather than the one-off AFLX event.
Marcus Bontempelli labelled AFLX “a relatively safe environment” after bonding with Flyers teammates Josh Kennedy, Rory Laird and Michael Hurley.
“That was a big priority of (Nat) Fyfey and the other captains, to make sure we take the risk out of some of the collision and play footy the way we know and can,” Bontempelli said.
“We all knew we were out there to have a bit of fun and enjoy the really good moments about Aussie rules football.
“You take care of each other, there’s obviously a bigger picture in terms of our own seasons coming up.”
The stars of the show were keen to talk up AFLX post-match although they faced restrictions from league media officials.
Bolts captain Patrick Dangerfield said State of Origin did not suit AFLX because the target market did not grow up engrossed by state rivalries.
“It (State of Origin AFLX) would be half pregnant,” Dangerfield said.
“Half trying to appease the rusted on fans that love our game and half trying something new to the younger generation. They don’t understand the concept because they weren’t around in the 90s.”
Bontempelli said while there was plenty of running there was little risk of injury playing AFLX
“Despite the intensity being high and while the running required is up there, there’s probably no real physical element as in collisions,” he said.
“There weren’t heaps and I felt like the game was played in a real good respect.
“At times you just sat the ball up and watch Natty Fyfe or Isaac Heeney soar through the air and take clunks.
“It gives you a great appreciation for how good some of the players are in this game.”
Rampage captain Jack Riewoldt said a tournament in Hong Kong or London, where there are “lots of expat Aussies”, would work.
Originally published as Patrick Dangerfield explains why he doesn’t like the idea of AFLX State of Origin
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