AFL 2024: Footballs with microchips will be used in the VFL as part of testing for widespread use

Footballs with microchips could soon be used in the AFL with a prototype to be used in games for the first time this weekend.

The AFL continues to test microchip technology inside footballs. Picture: Supplied

The use of “smart-ball technology” in the AFL which help solve issues with the score review system moves a big step closer this weekend with microchipped Sherrins to be used in the VFL.

As a crucial elevation in testing, the balls will be in use when Sandringham takes on Collingwood this Friday as well as the VFLW clash between the Southern Saints and Collingwood.

Before the season began AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the league had been buoyed by testing to that point with a chip inserted in balls near the laces to track its movement.

AFL football boss Laura Kane said the league was now “ready to move to the next stage “ of trials.

“Our work on the smart ball and its tracking technology is progressing well and we are excited about the possibilities of what this can do, both from a performance data perspective but also for providing insights for fans in-match and at home as well as the options it could potentially unlock for our broadcasters,” Kane said.

“Feedback from clubs in the pre-season training period has been positive with the view being there is no difference to the look, feel and performance of the ball.

A microchip is placed inside the Sherrin near the laces. Pictures: Supplied

“Following this feedback, we are now ready to move to the next stage in the trials where we will see how the ball performs in a match environment.”

Work on the smart ball has ramped up in the past 18 months with sensors used to track motion, which can determine the ball’s exact position on the field that could be used to help reduce scoring mistakes.

After various versions of balls had been used to ensure it “looks, feels, weighs and performs like a typical AFL match ball”, lab testing has settled on the current one that had been used in pre-season training in a blind field trial this year.

More than 125 players have provided initial feedback on the ball and Kane said bringing it in to matches was “an exciting next milestone” with hopes they could soon be in used in the AFL.

Data collected in the two games will be used for further refinement of technology and won’t be available to the teams in the games.