The Score: AFLX revamp for EJ Whitten Legends game
The EJ Whitten Legends Game will have a different look this year when it’s played under the AFLX format. Plus, Lachie Neale’s cheeky clip to Dermott Brereton and Brett Ratten’s unconventional initiation for a debutant.
The Score
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The future and the past are set to collide in a major shake-up of this year's EJ Whitten Legends Game.
Rather than being all about past glories, the annual charity match is set to be modernised and played under the controversial AFLX format.
The pre-season tournament had a makeover of its own in its second edition back in February with four new franchises, NBA-style entrances and a Gatorade game changer all part of the gimmick.
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Reaction was mixed but the league at least threw lots of cash at the AFLX concept to get some of the game's best involved.
There are also some handy incentives being thrown around to ensure this year's line-up for the EJ Whitten match features a majority of recently retired players rather than having it filled with old-school veterans.
We hear a couple of nights accommodation at Crown is the carrot being dangled to lure some big names.
There is also another change of venue for the game with its move to Adelaide lasting just one year.
The annual match started in 1995 in honour of Mr Football, Ted Whitten and was played at Whitten Oval before outgrowing the venue and moving to Etihad Stadium, where it has been since 2003.
Last year it moved to Adelaide Oval but will return to Melbourne and is pencilled in for AAMI Park during the pre-finals bye round on Friday August 30.
NEALE’S CHEEKY CLIP AT DERMIE
The beauty of social media for AFL players is it can be used for pay back.
Brisbane star Lachie Neale clearly got wind of AFL great Dermott Brereton’s criticism of hm during last Sunday's match against Port Adelaide.
Neale was targeted by the Power from the opening bounce and came from the ground early in the term to seek medical attention which Dermie saw as a white flag to the rough treatment.
“I want him out there. Let him take it. He’s a senior player,” Brereton said on Fox Footy.
“It’s a man’s game. It’s hard, it’s tough … I’ve got to stand up and take this.”
Neale revealed later a poke in the eye was the reason he came off the ground and yesterday he posted a photo of the burst blood vessel in his eye with a message for Dermie.
“Sorry @dermottbrereton for getting my eye check Q1.”
He added a wink-face emoji for good measure.
SECOND-CHANCE RATTEN
New St Kilda coach Brett Ratten came up with an innovative way to announce the debut of pacy midfielder Doulton Langlands.
Ratten pulled the players together at the end of the training session for the traditional goalkicking competition.
But this one had a twist.
“Today this bloke has to kick a goal,” Ratten said.
“If he kicks it, he's in the seniors and if he doesn't kick it . . .”
The players mobbed Langlands straight away before Ratten reminded them that the 2017 rookie draft pick still needed to kick the goal.
You can probably guess what happened?
Langlands missed the simple shot from 20m out directly in front, slamming the Sherrin into the post.
Luckily Ratten was in a charitable mood and gave him a second chance - from closer in - which he nailed to ensure he would be debuting on Sunday against the Western Bulldogs.
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