Autopsy AFLX Review - It...wasn’t bad?

[Lsta062]

Now, I know this site likes to have a bit of a chinwag about how bad AFLX is, but I went to the game yesterday and here is what I think about it.

At first, I thought it was a disaster. The crowd weren’t into, the scoring was quick and I didn’t understand the rules about the super goals. However, once the first couple of games went by and I adjusted to the rules and the speed of the game, I actually started to really enjoy it. The players adjusted too and looked like they were having a lot of fun, the crowd (although admittedly still not a whole lot into the game) were doing Mexican waves and having fun too. A lot of the teenagers in front of me were getting pictures with the players boundary side and catching the balls that they were kicking into the crowd.

I cannot speak about the TV experience, but I had a lot of fun and I actually look forward to watching this format again strangely enough. The injury risks are not a great deal too since it’s fairly bruise-free.

 

[footyfan1978]

Does no harm so not fussed if look at it like just a fun theme pre-season glorified training session where kids and families can mingle with players to get autographs.

Take it out of that context. The format of game is very gimmicky on purpose. If it was tried to be played as a abbreviated version of the real thing it still needs one more player from each team on field just to provide a bit more contest of space.

But if it just a one night a thing pre-season launch each year for television, I am not fussed about it.

On a different topic and about real version of football I would love to see after one round of JLT club games they play State of Origin games in early March for one weekend or two. The clubs can still have some practice matches regionally with their other players whilst the best 5 or 6 players from each club off playing an elite representative state of origin game on same weekends. Get it done AFL. That is something I really miss big time in football calendar and early March perfect time to do it when elite players would love the challenge and opportunity to represent their states in real football.

 

[ManOfClay]

It was ok to have in the background, a bit too different to properly get right into but I still found myself looking to see who was playing well, particularly when Bont was out there

 

[Tranquilli37]

Was out, so didnt watch. Seen some highlights this morning hoping i wasnt going to hear anything about injuries, but did hear something about a 20pt goal and was like wtf, dont think ill be getting into it.

 

[Yojimbo]

I had trouble separating the Flyers and the Bolts strips when they played, but I got a big reality check as to
how good players were and perhaps even how average some were. Phil Davis is a beast, gun player.

 

[JB1989]

Sorry i tried to keep an open mind and watched every mini game on tv... However everything made me cringe from the players rocking up, the rock off, square playing field, pink ball. random extra scores and dont get me started about the commentary... For me it was a boring game to watch and an embarrassment to the AFL brand. I hope they cut this away and play normal pre season games or even bring back a state of origion

Everything about it was terrible to watch...

The biggest and only positive of the experience was that no player was injured!

 

[Cyril says]

I thought it was woeful. Tackling, high marking, passing under pressure - all missing. And the atmosphere was anaemic.

Yuk.

 

[10571z]

I didn’t like the game. No contested ball and simply bruise free which is a big part of the enjoyment of afl. Sure having the stars running around improved it but watching the best afl players play any sport is more entertaining than randoms

 

[Spud Patrol]

I went in and watched for about an hour. I love footy so I can convince myself to watch any version of the game, especially when some of the best players of the comp are playing alongside one another. I don't know if it's just because I'm old, but the overly loud commentary over the p.a system was dreadful and that female announcer, I think her name was Amber, she might have the most annoying voice I've ever heard.

Got home and watched the last 2 matches on the TV and it was great to watch. I think any version of the game whether it's aflX or s.o.o, as long as the best players in the comp are playing then I'll be watching.

 

[Lsta062]

I had trouble separating the Flyers and the Bolts strips when they played, but I got a big reality check as to
how good players were and perhaps even how average some were. Phil Davis is a beast, gun player.

I agree, I was going for Rampage because you know, Riewoldt, but I thoroughly enjoyed having Cripps, Shiel and Davis on the team I support. Cripps is seriously ready to become a Brownlow-level elite player.

 

[Milanista28]

Sorry i tried to keep an open mind and watched every mini game on tv... However everything made me cringe from the players rocking up, the rock off, square playing field, pink ball. random extra scores and dont get me started about the commentary... For me it was a boring game to watch and an embarrassment to the AFL brand. I hope they cut this away and play normal pre season games or even bring back a state of origion

Everything about it was terrible to watch...

The biggest and only positive of the experience was that no player was injured!

The future is now old man...

 

[Lsta062]

I went in and watched for about an hour. I love footy so I can convince myself to watch any version of the game, especially when some of the best players of the comp are playing alongside one another. I don't of it's just because I'm old, but the overly loud commentary over the p.a system was dreadful and that female announcer, I think her name was Amber, she might have the most annoying voice I've ever heard.

Got home and watched the last 2 matches on the TV and it was great to watch. I think any version of the game whether it's aflX or s.o.o, as long as the beet players in the comp are playing then I'll be watching.

Lol did you forget the marching band periodically passing by? They were literally going around the venue while the game was being played. I turned around to see what was going on and I missed a goal! That was quite distracting and not in a good way.

 

[Macpotata]

Sorry i tried to keep an open mind and watched every mini game on tv... However everything made me cringe from the players rocking up, the rock off, square playing field, pink ball. random extra scores and dont get me started about the commentary... For me it was a boring game to watch and an embarrassment to the AFL brand. I hope they cut this away and play normal pre season games or even bring back a state of origion

Everything about it was terrible to watch...

The biggest and only positive of the experience was that no player was injured!

Agree with all of that. Commentators were the biggest w***ers.

Also Jack Riewoldt kicks the winning goal with seconds left to win the grand final? The captain of their team, who then gives a speech and talks about Maddy's vision and the 30k { at least 30k ) that AFLX raised for it?


Set up as ****.

 

[Macpotata]

That ground host loved touching the players didn't she

 

[Lsta062]

Agree with all of that. Commentators were the biggest w***ers.

Also Jack Riewoldt kicks the winning goal with seconds left to win the grand final? The captain of their team, who then gives a speech and talks about Maddy's vision and the 30k { at least 30k ) that AFLX raised for it?


Set up as ****.

Set up or just clutch from Riewoldt?

 

[Yojimbo]

Agree with all of that. Commentators were the biggest w***ers.

Also Jack Riewoldt kicks the winning goal with seconds left to win the grand final? The captain of their team, who then gives a speech and talks about Maddy's vision and the 30k { at least 30k ) that AFLX raised for it?


Set up as ****.

Every team was representing a charity, I am sure the other charities were represented too. Every teams charity received
money depending on what position the team finished. People tipped the Rampage after the draft was done as the team
had the best balance.

 

[Spud Patrol]

Lol did you forget the marching band periodically passing by? They were literally going around the venue while the game was being played. I turned around to see what was going on and I missed a goal! That was quite distracting and not in a good way.

Biggest cheer of the night was for hodgey signing a jumper down the southern Cross end

 

[Supercoach Bargain]

I'm not sure what it was, or is. It's a non-contact form of footy, but for who? AFL 9's was that.
Playing on a rectangle, I get that, not everywhere has footy sized grounds, but where?
It seems like T20 cricket, if you expand it, what happens to JLT? Do we care?

It seems like a solution in search of a problem.

 

[NoobPie]

Agree with all of that. Commentators were the biggest w***ers.

Also Jack Riewoldt kicks the winning goal with seconds left to win the grand final? The captain of their team, who then gives a speech and talks about Maddy's vision and the 30k { at least 30k ) that AFLX raised for it?


Set up as ****.

Each team had a nominated charity. Riewoldt's was Maddy's Vision

 

[NoobPie]

I'm not sure what it was, or is. It's a non-contact form of footy, but for who? AFL 9's was that.

It's not a not contact form of footy. It was full contact it just wasn't played at very seriously contested level. AFL 9s is non contact.

Playing on a rectangle, I get that, not everywhere has footy sized grounds, but where?
It seems like T20 cricket, if you expand it, what happens to JLT? Do we care?

I would say there is no chance it will be played more than one night in the preseason. The only way I could see it played more by current AFL players is at the end of the year in a state of origin concept. And if it was, it would be played somewhat more seriously sans rock paper scissors and gatorada game changers

It seems like a solution in search of a problem.

There are a host of reasons that justify the AFL developing a small-field version of the game. It is an initiative in pursuit of a number of possibilities. It is not trying to address one specific "problem".

 

[footyfan1978]

I'm not sure what it was, or is.

It seems like a solution in search of a problem.

There are a host of reasons that justify the AFL developing a small-field version of the game. It is an initiative in pursuit of a number of possibilities. It is not trying to address one specific "problem".

I thought everyone knew this already.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Seemed like it had all the intensity of an Intra club AFL 9's match between the 18 players who are safe in the team so they don't need to impress coach

 

[pjcrows]

Money should be spent elsewhere, simple as that.

 

[NoobPie]

I thought everyone knew this already.

You'd think so.

The "solution in search of a problem" has become a glib cliche to dismiss such initiatives

 

[NoobPie]

Money should be spent elsewhere, simple as that.

Nah