AFL to pay stars to play AFLX in 2019 as four superhero-themed teams to

Money to play, an all-indigenous side and superhero-themed teams. That’s some of the highlights footy fans and players can look forward to for a revamped AFLX Series in 2019.

AFL stars represent a superheroes line-up in AFLX next year.

THE AFL has splashed the cash to sway some of footy’s biggest stars to play in next year’s revamped AFLX Series.

The Herald Sun understands players will pocket between $5,000 and $20,000 to pull the boots on for the one-day preseason tournament on February 22.

Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide’s Eddie Betts and Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe have been targeted to captain the four AFL teams, including one all-indigenous side.

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The four skippers, who will become the face of the superhero-themed teams, stand to earn about $20,000 to play and promote the event, while other players will be given between $5,000 and $10,000 as part of a tiered-payment structure.

Former teammates Patrick Dangerfield and Eddie Betts might be captains of new-look AFLX sides. Pic: Getty Images

The overall player payment cost is more than $300,000.

Players were not paid to play in last year’s tournament, but the league has made dramatic changes and dangled a hefty financial carrot to attract the big names and boost the appeal of the event at Marvel Stadium.

The league wants to deliver a fast and exciting Big Bash style of game. Two of the teams will be called Team Speed and Team Skill, while caricatures of the skippers will be used to promote each team.

The AFL has been buoyed by the response of the players, with the league confident the teams will be full of stars.

The league wants to eventually market the game, which is played on a rectangular field, to overseas markets.

The four captains will hand-pick their teams from a draft of about 100 players, although some clubs have expressed some concern about the injury risk.

The teams will play three shortened games before a Grand Final.