Brisbane coach Chris Fagan not sold on AFLX and is concerned about potential injuries to players

BRISBANE Lions coach Chris Fagan is not yet sold on AFLX and is concerned about the potential for injury to one of his players and says the concept doesn’t engage the fans because of limited time between goals.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan isn’t sold on AFLX. Picture: Getty

BRISBANE Lions coach Chris Fagan fears he could lose one of his players to the AFLX experiment on Saturday, as the club prepare to welcome back the likes of Allen Christensen and Mitch Robinson.

The Lions will be part of the last group to try their hand at the new format on Saturday, following mixed reviews from fans and critics.

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Fagan is one who is in two minds about the tournament, claiming it does not engage fans due to the limited time to celebrate goals.

But he also said his major worry was the risk of injury.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan isn’t sold on AFLX. Picture: Getty

The Lions will on Saturday welcome back Christensen (collarbone) from an 18-month stint on the sidelines, while Robinson (foot) returns after nine months out and Tom Bell (ankle) comes back after eight months out.

“The only bad side is if a club gets an injury,” Fagan said ahead of Saturday’s competition.

“It’s experimental. That’s the one thing you worry about playing in a competition as a guinea pig really.

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“It’s good that they are trying something new — every time you do that you learn how to make it better.

“I am sure the AFL will seek feedback from clubs to help bring a better version next time but they have to start somewhere.”

Allen Christensen will return from 18 months on the sidelines on Saturday. Picture: Getty

A fit-looking Mitch Robinson also returns for Brisbane after a season wrecked by injury. Picture: Getty

Despite the concern of injury, the Lions players are reportedly excited to try their hand at AFLX.

Fagan’s rucks and midfield coach Ben Hudson will take over the reins of the Lions this weekend and he said Christensen, Robinson and Bell were all raring to get back on the field.

“All 14 just want to get out there,” Hudson said of his squad.

“It’s really exciting for (Christensen). He’s really excited to have the opportunity to play.

“He’s been at full training for a good six months but he hasn’t had the opportunity to test himself out. He’ll get a lot of confidence along with Tom Bell and Mitch Robinson.

“They’ve had a really solid pre-season and now they want to see a little bit of reward. This will give them some confidence and they can build on that in 2018.”

Originally published as Brisbane coach Chris Fagan not sold on AFLX and is concerned about potential injuries to players