Patrick Dangerfield defends his role in AFLX after fan suggests he’s in it for the money

Doing it for the money? Don’t dare suggest that to Cats champ Patrick Dangerfield, who swatted away one fan who questioned his involvement in the AFL’s new baby. SEE HOW IT WILL WORK

Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield will captain Team Bolts. Pic: Michael Klein

AFLX might be drawing its share of criticism from fans but Geelong champion Patrick Dangerfield has taken to social media to defend his part in the League’s new novelty tournament.

After previously expressing concern over the length of the AFL season, the sight of Dangerfield fronting the new competition as one of four superstar captains surprised at least one fan.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW AFLX WILL WORK IN 2019

After the Cats star, who is also president of the AFL Players’ Association, revealed an image of his team on Twitter one footy fan replied and suggested money was a motivator in Dangerfield’s decision to get behind AFLX.

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“Now come on Danger. You want a shorter season but as soon as the AFL wave a few bucks at you you’re happy to be a not so Canny X Man. Stick it up your jumper pal,” the fan wrote.

Now come on Danger. You want a shorter season but as soon as the AFL wave a few bucks at you you're happy to be a not so Canny X Man. Stick it up your jumper pal

— Steven Ton (@tunny_25) December 16, 2018

Understandably, that didn’t sit well with the 2016 Brownlow medallist, who took exception to the suggestion.

“(I) actually suggested two ... aimed at making the fixture equitable.. 17 or 34.. perhaps educate yourself chief,” Dangerfield replied.

Sunday’s announcement on the new-look AFLX had fans and players talking, with the revised format earning mixed reviews.

The League has drastically changed the look for the 2019 version of AFLX.

Not convinced about all aspects of the latest AFLX offering but creating a credible version of AFL on a smaller field with smaller numbers of players is a very worthwhile objective , particularly as a way to increase the numbers of kids playing footy.

— Leigh Matthews (@LeighRMatthews) December 16, 2018

Touch wood this doesn't happen BUT what does the AFL do if a superstar is seriously hurt in this ridiculous AFLX rubbish? It's embarrassing the code. Just stop it. For the love of God, stop it.

— Greg Davis (@GregDavis_cmail) December 16, 2018

I don’t quite get all the #AFLX hate! One night, school yard pick, big name players... reckon it will be heaps of fun, especially for younger fans 👍🏼 pic.twitter.com/Ad8g4A362V

— Jonno Simpson (@JonnoSimpson) December 16, 2018

Fans don’t want it. Looks like some sort of Gatorade ad or similar. @AFL please listen to the fans. We don’t need contrived bs for our game, it is good as it is, don’t muck with it 🤨

— Feisty Tige (@dmf_feistytige) December 16, 2018

Damn I thought it was a weird promo for the new movie Aquaman. https://t.co/gRxTiPgCpQ

— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) December 16, 2018

AFLX IN 2019 EXPLAINED

— Four teams — the Bolts, Flyers, Deadlys and Rampage

— Patrick Dangerfield (Bolts) Nat Fyfe (Flyers), Jack Riewoldt (Rampage) and Eddie Betts (Deadlys) to captain teams

— Captains to pick their teams in a live draft in early February

— Teams to be picked from pool of 100 AFL players

— Each team to consist of 14 players - 8 on the field, 6 on the bench

— Maximum of four players per AFL club to compete in AFLX

— Soccer-size rectangular pitch

— Fast, free-flowing footy

— One umpire, no centre bounces, kick-ins from fullback after goals

— Two halves of 10 minutes

— 10 point ‘supergoals’ for goals outside 40m

The AFL has unveiled AFLX team logos for Nat Fyfe, Jack Riewoldt, Patrick Dangerfield and Eddie Betts.

WHEN + WHERE:

Marvel Stadium

Friday, February 22 at 6.30pm