AFLX or JLT3?

[Vader]

In previous years, we had 3x pre-season games to prepare for the H&A season. Two of those were played with extended interchange benches and modified rules (e.g. 9pt super goals). The last was played under relatively normal rules. Last year they were sponsored by JLT, previously it was the NAB Cup. Either way, I usually refer to it as the MMC (Mickey Mouse Cup), which reflects the value of the competition.

In 2018, one of these pre-season games was replaced by AFLX...

Now you've had a chance to see AFLX in action, which do people prefer?

The only real positive that I can see for AFLX is that it allows us to see the bottom players on the list, not just those who are gunning for selection in R1 (and/or providing depth for later in the season). AFLX gives the rookie lists a good workout, as well as the players ranked 30+ on the list, who probably wouldn't even get a gig in the JLT games. I guess that's a positive.

The downside is that we only have 2 games in which to warm up the rest of the list, determining who wins those last few positions in the team. Given that we usually play our best 22, or close to it, in the last JLT match, that leaves just 1 game for experimentation. We're also forced to sit through the abomination we saw last night, a bastardised version of the game which removes all of the elements that makes it great and replaces them with overly commercialised bullshit (zooper goals?).

I'm sure you can figure out which way my opinion sways. But how about everyone else? Is there anyone who actually likes AFLX? Anyone who thinks it's a better preparation for the H&A season than a 3rd JLT game?

 

[radiojake]

We need more acronyms

Which is why I can't wait for AFLWX

 

[jenny61_99]

Well, I liked the games last night (with some exceptions that I pointed out on the thread). Put a bunch of players vying for spots in the top 22 together in a fast paced game situation where their decision making and skill set is ultimately on display. Didn't play the babies (because it's an endurance thing, and these kids are yet to build up theirs). Didn't play the regulars. So it could be seen as a valuable tool in that regard. The first JLT is the one where they try a few things - they aren't really going to play with the game plan in these games... it's all about personnel. And then the last JLT will be playing with our intended Round 1 squad.

 

[Golumless]

We need more acronyms

Which is why I can't wait for AFLWX

Now that's a title I look forward to winning.

 

[Golumless]

Probably another full practice match, hard to see the worth of AFLx.

 

[treeman]

In terms of watching on television I would much rather a proper practice match with regular afl rules.

I probably wouldn't bother attending either match though, live in person.

 

[DD#23]

hands down would prefer 3 proper matches to have a look at the squad in a relevant context.

 

[skam85]

We're also forced to sit through the abomination we saw last night

No, nobody is forced to watch it.

It was a bit of harmless fun. It's not replacing anything. No club really cares a whole lot about any part of the JLT either, they're glorified intra-clubs. There's room for both, and that's probably what will happen. It's such a weird thing for people to get so mad and worked up over.

Anything before Round 1 is largely irrelevant considering all the sports science and training clubs do in pre-season. Bring on the real footy (please don't hurt me SJWs).

 

[jo172]

 

[Scorpus]

Because the AFLX is worthless and has no point, the only value is in seeing how the younger players go.

And you get a better idea of how they'll go in AFL matches with actual AFL practice matches.

So the AFLX should * right off. Needs to be entirely separate from the practice matches with a genuine prize.

 

[Bring back Bas]

I think 2 MMC games and no AFLX is ideal. The preseason drags on a bit too long for my liking. I would rather be footy starved for a couple of extra weeks and than the full yet unsatisfied feeling I currently have.

 

[Squiba]

Of the options listed, I'd prefer 3 JLT matches. However, I wouldn't be opposed to having the AFLX 'carnival', if you will, played a couple of weeks prior.

It doesn't need to be serious, just enough to push whatever the AFL are trying to push at the time, and give the kids a run. It does give us a look at how the young players ball skills and decision making are going, and I'll always say yes to more footy, rather than less.

 

[CrowsB4hoes]

I think AFLX should be what the girls play

And leave JLT as it is for the men

 

[jackster83]

Probably neither.

Not suffering any injuries last night was a plus though - recent history suggests we cop at least two injuries to first choice players whenever we play an internal trial or JLT game.

 

[azza77]

Havent coaches already complained that 3 pre-season games is too many they feel?

Would love to see an AFLX or whatever you call it little pre-season carnival before a couple of JLT games. Even if the superstars don'y play, I don't mind seeing a lot of the new draftees running around. Something to pass the time in the lead up to actual footy.

 

[Samcro24]

Wake me up for round 1. Trials in any format don't interest me anymore. Play two internals and start the real thing.

 

[Sanders]

If only we had a thread to discuss what we thought about AFLX?

 

[John Who]

We need more acronyms

Which is why I can't wait for AFLWX

I hear they're already onto it. And even planning for the subsequent rule changes to cater for the newer generation of fans. The provisional name for this format is AFLWXYZ.

 

[John Who]

The 2 formats are really 2 separate agendas:
JLT - genuine preseason trials, where the regulars are playing to sustain form, and the fringe players playing to get into the regulars side.
AFLX - this wasn't ever meant to be a preseason trial; IMO it's more an AFL agenda to propagate its seeds onto other sporting arenas and lands foreign to the sport of AFL. Giving young/fringe players a chance to show their skills are a bonus by-product of this new AFL agenda.

JLT - benefits the clubs/players.
AFLX benefits (potentially) AFL itself, with much less benefits directly to the players. If it does reach onto further shores, then in turn, each club might be getting more fans and revenue from additional international support.

 

[Simmo28]

We need more acronyms

Which is why I can't wait for AFLWX

Well at least on a small pitch the girls could maybe kick 3 goals for the match


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1970crow]

If only we had a thread to discuss what we thought about AFLX?

But this was another opportunity for Vader to state that the X players were rolled gold bottom of the list. Not a single player is a hope of playing AFL footy this year. Each and every one is on a dead man walking contract.

 

[FR0GGY]

Skip preseason games, go straight to the real thing. It’s the same for everyone.

 

[Dean1]

I hear they're already onto it. And even planning for the subsequent rule changes to cater for the newer generation of fans. The provisional name for this format is AFLWXYZ.

I heard the next one is going to be called AFLGBTQIX

 

[Archie87]

Stuff AFLX, only have two pre-season games with no break leading into round 1 then have an extended 24 game home and away season (not including byes). No break pre-finals either and have 2 mid-season breaks around rounds 8 and 16.


Our 2018 fixture has the AFC playing a JLT game, a week break, JLT game, another week break then round 1. That just ruins momentum for all clubs and the AFL as a whole running into the season IMO.

 

[Truck25]

We need more acronyms

Which is why I can't wait for AFLWX

Funny thing is when I was watching Thursday night I was thinking the girls might be better suited to this game, A lot more open, shorter kicks suited to the smaller ground and extend the teams to 12 for 4 1/4's means a better skill level.

Just a thought.