First AFLX matches were exciting and showcased the great aspects of our game, Jon Anderson writes

DESPITE the fact the AFL’s biggest names were absent in Adelaide, the game’s first taste of AFLX was exicitng and showcased all the great aspects of our game, JON ANDERSON writes.

Collingwood's Josh Thomas in action. Picture: Getty

THE stars may have stayed away in droves but the AFL might just have unveiled a winner on Thursday night in AFLX.

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While the X is incorporated to signify, in Roman numerals, 10 two-minute halves, 10 men per team and 10 points for a super goal, it could easily stand for X-factor because that is what the game has in spades.

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The first match between Geelong and Port Adelaide showcased a product that brings frenetic non-stop action where the openness of play highlights much of what is great about our game.

Collingwood's Josh Thomas in action in his first taste of AFLX. Picture: Getty

Gone were the rolling mauls that have become such a blight on the code, and while facets of continuous scoring can actually become slightly boring, it’s a matter of re-adjusting your expectations.

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Will it appeal to an overseas market? Time will tell although the ability to play it on a rectangular field is an obvious start, even if Thursday night’s surface at Hindmarsh Stadium was poor to fair at best, and a surprising choice from those who look after such matters at the AFL.

The television coverage on Fox Footy also featured super-imposed on-field advertising, surely something we will have to become accustomed to, but annoying all the same.

The crowd was subdued early as they seemed to be working out the nuances of a new spectacle, although it’s easy to imagine Geelong fans back in their lounge seats salivating at the promise of first year players Lachlan Fogarty and Tim Kelly.

The obvious downside was the lack of the absolute stars, given the AFL’s latest baby could have received no greater endorsement than the presence of Gary Ablett and Patrick Dangerfield.

Michael Walters played in one of Fremantle’s two AFLX matches.

Jake Kelly impressed for the Crows. Picture: Calum Robertson

Reckon if you and I worked at the AFL we might just have organised some form of incentive — legal, of course — to entice that pair to make an appearance on opening night.

Perhaps it was best summed up in the end by a puffed Tom Hawkins, who described his outing a “bloody good fun”.