North Melbourne players put AFLX to the test

IF you’re a football purist, look away now. The “X” in AFLX has been revealed as North Melbourne players staged nine trial matches and the games showcased relentless running and scoring.

North Melbourne players prepared for AFLX. Picture: Jay Town

THE “X” in AFLX has been revealed. Football’s newest form is AFL ... except for high marking, except for heavy hits and except for bone-crunching tackles.

If you’re a football purist, look away now.

The code’s answer to Twenty20 cricket is a bruise-free game in which the Sherrin zips coast to coast at breathtaking speed.

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With seven a side there is oodles of space and, on soccer-sized grounds, a chain of two kicks is enough to generate a good look at the sticks.

North Melbourne staged nine trial matches using nine a side at Arden St in Friday’s sweltering heat and the games showcased relentless running and scoring.

Ruckman Braydon Preuss launched a torpedo from goalsquare to goalsquare and Scott Thompson bombed about four 10-point supergoals from defence.

Ben Cunnington tests out the AFLX format. Picture: Jay Town

In AFLX players kick out from full-back after every score, there are no boundary throw-ins and yesterday you could count the stoppages on one hand.

That means few ruck contests and plenty of top-speed running. As for defence?

Well, the only defence yesterday was a metal barrier between players and about 15 supporters, some who professed to being a bit confused.

“If you turn it over the opposition scores. If you don’t turn it over, you score,” ruckman Todd Goldstein said.

“It is very similar to basketball, but it has a little bit more excitement with all the 10-point scores. Ten points is a big reward and most players can kick 40m.”

Ben Brown at Arden St. Picture: Jay Town

Put simply, AFLX requires silk over strength. Most scores were followed by a kick-out, hit-up mark, another hit-up mark and a shot on goal.

“You’ve got to be able to use the ball really well — it can kill you on the rebound,” midfielder-forward Shaun Higgins said.

“Ten points from outside (40m) allows you to pile on the score pretty quickly.Even with a couple minutes to go you can resurrect a deficit.”

With senior coach Brad Scott away, three of his assistants picked their squads as if they were in the schoolyard.

Robbie Tarrant takes a kick-in after a goal is scored. Picture: Jay Town

Higgins and Shaun Atley were the first two names called, perhaps as running athletes boasting lateral movement.

By the end it was the big men’s game. The team featuring Preuss, Goldstein, Ben Brown and Mason Wood saluted, their height in the marking contests telling.

“It’s fast-paced, but I think there’s something for all shapes and sizes,” Goldstein said.

“You need to be more mobile with not many ruck contests. It depends on ball skills — so if you’re tall but can still kick that’s fine.”

Higgins, who ran about 9km in 60 minutes, said the tall players shone.

“Last year we thought it was purely the running sort of player. I think skills are really important (but) we saw some of our big guys have really good games,” he said.

“They’re able to hit up well and take marks.”