Clubs want more players, contests and bonus points in AFLX

AFL clubs have delivered an emphatic message to the league on how AFLX can be enhanced and at least one Victorian club has requested a change of date for the tournment.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is tackled by Dallas Willsmore during an AFLX game at Etihad Stadium. Picture: AAP

GIVE us more players.

That’s the message the AFL is getting from clubs after the first edition of AFLX.

Clubs are currently providing feedback to the league after the inaugural three-day exhibition series, with several telling the Herald Sun the product would be better by having more players on the field.

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Teams were allowed seven, with three on the bench and unlimited rotations in at least two matches consisting of two 10-minute halves and no time-on.

Club officials said nine players per side would be the ideal scenario given most matches lacked contests and made key position talls and inside midfielders redundant in a runner’s game.

Clubs want to see more contests in AFLX games. Picture: Michael Klein

Clubs were also of the belief that most goals were boring given their sides stood no chance of defending the field with only seven players.

But at least one Victorian club will ask the AFL to move the tournament back to the weekend off between Round 23 and finals.

Under the proposal, AAMI Park would be used for a 10-team knockout competition between non-finalists, with prizemoney among the incentives.

Among the other recommendations set to land at AFL headquarters, are:

LENGTHENING the Zooper goal from 40m to 45m.

REWARD bonus points for goals kicked from tight angles.

KEEPING two forwards and two defenders at either end of the ground to ensure more contests.

GAMES played at purpose-built soccer stadiums overseas.

AFLX being played at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein

Greater Western Sydney chairman Tony Shepherd said he’d never seen players more exhausted.

“At the end of the round robin, they were out on their legs, so it’s fast and furious but I think it will grow,” Shepherd said.

“It needs a little refinement like any new competition but I thought some of the games were outstanding.

“I’d probably see us making it a little earlier, maybe in December, give you a bit more of a gap before you come into the main season.”