It’s the new AFL concept set to showcase the league’s young, quick and hungry new stars
THE AFL’s new concept, AFLX, is set to excite next month by showcasing the game’s hottest young stars. Here’s why we should be getting excited about the pre-season game.
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THE AFL’s answer to T20 cricket arrives in just over a month.
While the format is still largely an unknown, AFLX is sure to excite by showcasing the game’s next generation, all hungry for a Round 1 spot.
SHORT-FORM: PLAYER SUPPORT GROWING FOR AFLX
NEW YEAR: JAY CLARK’S BIG SUPERCOACH GAMBLE
NEW GAME: WHICH PAST & PRESENT STARS WOULD LOVE AFLX?
Just like the Big Bash League, AFLX is family friendly and with an expected fast-paced, highlight heavy gameplan will complement the second season of AFLW.
The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark looks at the reasons and the players that will light up the short-form game.
WHY WE SHOULD GET EXCITED FOR AFLX
SPEED THRILLS
Teams will likely wheel out their speedsters and encourage fast, attacking play.
NEW FACES
The series is perfect to showcase young and untried players. It will give fans their first look at some prized draft picks.
IT’S DIFFERENT
New rules such as last touch out of bounds will encourage players to take more risks and adopt new strategies.
SUPER GOALS
We all love a torpedo goal. Goals kicked from outside 40m will score 10 points. Unleash, guys.
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
For teams which have struggled in recent years, there is a chance to create some early-season confidence and momentum and promote a positive message.
FAN ENGAGEMENT
Fan bases supporting the same team could sit together. There will be music and entertainment on the arena.
GREAT FOR FAMILIES
Shorter games will cater for young fans and new audiences.
MADE FOR AFLX
Jay Clark lists the players young, fast and hungry for a Round 1 spot best suited to AFLX.
Tom Doedee (Adelaide)
Athletic basketballer could slot straight into Jake Lever’s spot. Crows have long believed in his potential.
Cam Rayner (Brisbane)
That goal kicking talent needs to go on show early. Can make defenders look silly. AFLX debut would get Lions’ hearts pumping.
Jarrod Garlett (Carlton)
Could explode from day one. Has pure speed. Finally settled off field. AFLX ready.
Jaidyn Stephenson (Collingwood)
Heart issues scared some clubs off at draft time, but he is an immense talent. Lots of outside flair and goal kicking nous.
Aaron Francis (Essendon)
Breakthrough year looms if he is fit enough. Intercept marks in defence like a pro.
Adam Cerra (Fremantle)
Classy midfielder is a big part of the Dockers’ next generation midfield plans. Polished performer could add finesse to hard nut Fremantle midfield.
Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong)
This Cat has some party tricks. Just needs to get hamstrings right.
Lachie Weller (Gold Coast)
They paid a huge price and would love to see Weller fire early. Need him putting balls on big forwards’ chests.
Tim Taranto (GWS)
We may have forgotten how good this kid looked for the early part of last year. Has a touch of Steve Johnson about him.
Jarman Impey (Hawthorn)
Flew under the radar at trade time. Has speed, power and versatility. Quick hands and dash would excite in AFLX.
Sam Weideman (Melbourne)
Melbourne need this man to partner Jesse Hogan in attack. Key forward has springboard athleticism.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)
Onball brute will play a lot of games for the Kangas this year. Can go forward as well. AFLX will give him early taste of tempo.
Todd Marshall (Port Adelaide)
Athletic second-year key forward is still a developing prospect, but would enjoy the exposure of AFLX stage. Senior opportunities will be limited this year.
Shai Bolton (Richmond)
Excitement machine can razzle dazzle in traffic and near goals. Burst speed a big tick for AFLX format.
Nathan Freeman (St Kilda)
Saints fans desperate to catch a glimpse after nightmare hamstring setbacks. Was a Patrick Dangerfield-type in draft year.
Oliver Florent (Sydney)
This Swan has some serious midfield-forward class. Would provide plenty of highlights in AFLX.
Willie Rioli (West Coast)
With Josh Hill gone and Mark LeCras in his twilight, the Eagles need some new blood generating some electricity at ground level in attack
Hayden Crozier (Western Bulldogs)
High-flying utility is made for this short-form game. Has speed and springs for legs. Back and forward. A lock for AFLX.
THE COMPETITION
POOL A
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, Thursday, February 15
Adelaide, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide, West Coast
POOL B
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Friday, February 16
Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda
POOL C
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Saturday, February 17
Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Richmond, Sydney, Western Bulldogs
THE FIELD
Games played on a rectangular field with two 40m arcs at either end.
THE RULES
Games will be made up of two 10-minute halves.
Seven players are allowed on the field with three on the bench.
Two players must start each half from inside the forward 40m area.
Supergoals kicked from outside 40m are worth 10 points.
Free kick paid for last touch out of bounds.
Kick-ins after every score.
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