AFLW ball tracking technology reveals longest kick, best shots on goal as new metrics could change the way game is analysed

The AFL’s ball tracking technology has revealed the longest kicks and best shots at goal in the AFLW, but that’s not all, with more new metrics which could transform the way the game is analysed.

The AFL has given clubs an incredible insight into the capabilities of its new ball tracking technology.

In an AFLW operations meeting earlier this month, the AFL presented all 18 clubs with a range of metrics that could transform the way the game is analysed.

The new ‘smart ball’ can measure a variety of microdata including things like which player torpedo punts the football the most, the spin rate of various kicks and the angle of set shots on goal.

Brisbane spearhead Dakota Davidson is believed to be the most accurate player in the competition from dead in front of goal, nailing 99 per cent of her shots on goal. While Hawthorn forward Aileen Gilroy lays claim to the longest kick this season, launching the footy nearly 53 metres.

Aileen Gilroy has been revealed as the competition’s longest kick. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

Of the top 10 longest kicks in the AFLW this season, five of them belong to Irish players. It’s prompted AFL umpires coaching, performance and innovation manager Damian Farrow to explore the correlation between the round ball used in Gaelic football and the power Irish players can generate.

“The ball tracking is an amazing addition to the AFLW,” AFL executive general manager of football Laura Kane told this masthead. “There’s all sorts of insights and possibility.”

AFLW general manager Emma Moore added that “the AFLW is a great vehicle to open up the game to a new audience”.

“They don’t necessarily know the rules of play and what a particular type of kick is or what that means. Ball tracking allows us to tell that story.”

The AFL also gave clubs a demonstration of the new score assist system. The league says that the new technology has correctly decided seven scores this season from 2200 odd shots on goal across the first nine rounds. There was one instance of human error where Gold Coast forward Jamie Stanton was denied a goal against Collingwood in week five.

The AFL is also hopeful of introducing graphics to enhance the viewer experience and illustrate how the ball tracking technology reached its decision. There is some trepidation about how effective the graphics will be for fans at community venues where the infrastructure isn’t the same as AFL stadiums.