Preview Everything you need to know about AFLX

Jul 2, 2010
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What is AFLX?

AFLX is a new and exciting game created by the AFL to showcase some of the most thrilling elements of Australian Football to attract new fans.

While there are some familiar aspects for fans, this new game will provide a very different experience. AFLX is played on a rectangular field with seven players on the field and three on the bench. AFLX is an express form of the game, with explosive action exhilarating fans of all ages. Get ready for 10-point super goals, last-touch out of bounds and non-stop action on and off the field.

The inaugural 2018 AFLX tournament promises to be a great family experience with something for fans of all ages. AFLX promises to be a different experience, with game-day featuring fireworks, music DJs, in-game commentary, roving performers, kids and family zones and giveaways.

The AFL wants fans to have the opportunity to help shape this new form of the game and influence what it looks like in the future.



Where are the games being played?

After months of trials and plenty of hype, AFLX finally makes its debut at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on February 15, before heading to Melbourne's Etihad Stadium on February 16. Sydney will host the final round-robin tournament at Allianz Stadium on February 17.

Who plays who?
There are six clubs in each tournament with games played in a round-robin format. Teams will be divided into two pools of three, and play against each other once. The top team from each pool will play off in a Grand Final at the end of the competition.

Pool A, Hindmarsh Stadium, Thursday February 15
Adelaide, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide, West Coast

Pool B, Etihad Stadium, Friday February 16
Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda

Pool C, Allianz Stadium, Saturday February 17
Brisbane Lions, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Richmond, Sydney, Western Bulldogs

Click here for full fixture

When are teams announced?
The 20-man squads will be announced three days before each tournament. Clubs will then lodge their final 10-man team for the first match on the day of competition, while teams for the second and third games will be lodged just prior to each round-robin match. Coaches can change the makeup of their team between games, as long as they use the 20 players named in the squad.

Which stars have committed to playing?

Clubs are keeping their cards close to their chest with plenty of mystery surrounding who will take place in the inaugural tournament. Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield has publicly put his hand up to play, while Hawthorn AFLX coach Max Bailey has hinted that four premiership Hawks including Jack Gunston and Isaac Smith are set to play the face-paced hybrid game. Power recruit Jack Watts is a certain starter, along with triple best and fairest Robbie Gray. While the Swans haven't unveiled their line-up, they have ruled out a cameo from superstar Lance Franklin.

How is it different to AFL?

AFLX-Rules-Infographic-912px.jpg


Who makes the Grand Final if multiple teams are on the same wins?

Wins, losses and draws will be tallied up throughout the tournament, with the two pool winners on each night playing off in the Grand Final. However, if there are multiple teams on the same wins, percentage will be the deciding factor.

What happens if scores are tied at the end of the Grand Final?

While draws can happen during pool games, you won't have to worry about coming back the following week to see the Grand Final again, if scores are level at the final siren. Time on will be added with the first team to score a point or a goal the premiers.

How long do games go for?

AFLX consists of two, 10-minute halves with a two-minute break. There will be a five-minute breather in between each game, with a 15-minute break before the Grand Final takes place.

Get your AFLX tickets here

How does each game start?
Each half is started with the umpiring throwing the ball up in the center. Two nominated ruckmen will compete, however they aren't allowed to run and jump at the ball, or wrestle with each other. Basically, it's more like a basketball-style tip-off with the two competing rucks to stand toe-to-toe. Each team will also need to have three players inside their forward and defensive 40m arcs before play starts. It's also worth noting that the traditional coin toss has been given the flick. Instead teams will start kicking towards the side of the ground that their interchange bench is on, before swapping for the second half. The pre-game tradition of running through a banner before a game with the club song blaring has also been scrapped.

Where will the coaches watch?
There will be no aerial view for the coaches when it comes to AFLX. The coach's box won't be in use come match day, instead they'll bark orders directly to their players on the interchange bench. Given the smaller size of the field, there won't be any runners either, so the coaches will have to do their own dirty work and deliver their messages straight to their charges.

Can players be reported?
Yes, they can. Just like the JLT Community Series, a player can be cited by the match review officer or the officiating umpire on match day. Any suspensions handed out, will be served during the home and away season.

Do AFLX games count towards life membership?
No. Just like the JLT series, AFLX games won't count towards a player's eligibility for life membership. Only premiership season games are taken into consideration, and the old format of the pre-season competition where there was a genuine prize or winner at the end of the series.

How many umpires are there?

There will be a total of six umpires for each game. Two field umpires, two boundary umpires (who essentially act as touch judges), and two goal umpires. There won't be any flags for the goal umpires to wave, due to the fast nature of the game. Be on the lookout as well for a new motion to signal a 'Zooper' goal, with the goal umpire to cross their arms above their heads to create an 'X'. As for what colour the umpires will be wearing, well that remains a mystery. One thing is for sure though, you won't be able to miss them with the whistleblowers set to don a very loud and bright uniform.

Will there be other things happening as the games are being played?
Off the field, fans will see plenty of action with fireworks, DJs with plenty of music, in-game commentary, roving performers, kids and family zones and giveaways a feature at all events.

Where can you watch it?

You’ve got plenty of choice when it comes to watching AFLX with both 7Two and Fox Footy providing telecasts. You can also watch on the AFL Live App in the palm of your hand. Brian Taylor is expected to add a bit of 'wowee' to the commentary which will be provided by Seven. Fox Footy will have its own hosts on the ground at all three venues for breaks between matches while simulcasting the Seven game coverage.

There will also be a radio call on SEN in Melbourne and affiliate stations.

AFL.com.au will have highlights shows after each of the three tournaments.
 

TigerTrain23

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Jul 14, 2015
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Quietly looking forward to this. It will mostly be kicks 'n' giggles but I think it will be a whole lot more exciting than another random JLT Challenge Match.

7Two/Fox Footy is probably a good spot for it so that it can find its feet. But I honestly think the fan experience will be fantastic and I'll be heading up to Sydney pumped to see how the young Tigers can go.
 

yyou

Norm Smith Medallist
Sep 18, 2014
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I was surprised to see all AFLX games are scheduled to be played in the eastern states
None in the new stadium in WA
 

yyou

Norm Smith Medallist
Sep 18, 2014
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If there were going to be any in Perth they wouldn't play them at the new stadium anyway. More than likely NIB Stadium where Perth Glory play A-League.
fair enough, but they are all still in the eastern states.
doesn't bother me, as I now live a 5 minute walk from Etihad, I just thought it puzzling
 

GCStormie

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Aug 29, 2017
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If there were going to be any in Perth they wouldn't play them at the new stadium anyway. More than likely NIB Stadium where Perth Glory play A-League.
Why would they play at NIB? surely they'd be expecting to exceed the 20500 capacity at NIB?
Perth Stadium has a capacity of 65K in rectangular mode. (like when Chelsea come over, or the NRL games its hosting later in the year)
 

TigerTrain23

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Why would they play at NIB? surely they'd be expecting to exceed the 20500 capacity at NIB?
I doubt the AFL is forecasting any match that weekend to get that high. I'd expect these kinds of numbers in all honesty...

Tonight (Adelaide) - 10k
Tomorrow (Melbourne) - 15k
Friday (Sydney) - 10k
 

010203

Brownlow Medallist
Nov 25, 2017
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I don't mind it so far but we're certainly in novelty period phase. Like the other footy codes, i think there should be a clearly identifiable halfway line and if you kick a goal from inside your defensive half, they you should get 10 points for a goal. A 10 point goal for kicking a goal from more than 40m is too generous for my liking.
 

TigerTrain23

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Pretty reasonable ratings on a multichannel last night - well ahead of the AFLW last weekend. Waiting for Foxtel figures now.
 
Aug 14, 2011
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Another grubby AFL scheme to extract money from sponsors. Reckon the commentators were on commission for how many times they mentioned it. They need to get rid of the whole concept.

Heard a suggestion by a club president that he regarded AFLX as a scheme by the AFL admin to promote their career path - Peter Gordon on ABC 774 with Jon Faine. Interesting that David Stevenson is fronting the comp for the AFL, the same David Stevenson who had a short stay at the Bulldogs as CEO.
https://au.linkedin.com/in/david-stevenson-31642213
Sour grapes Peter?
Is Stevenson on staff or simply consulting?
 
Aug 21, 2016
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Heard a suggestion by a club president that he regarded AFLX as a scheme by the AFL admin to promote their career path - Peter Gordon on ABC 774 with Jon Faine. Interesting that David Stevenson is fronting the comp for the AFL, the same David Stevenson who had a short stay at the Bulldogs as CEO.
https://au.linkedin.com/in/david-stevenson-31642213
Sour grapes Peter?
Is Stevenson on staff or simply consulting?

Yeah, it seems Gordon and Stevenson didn't get on when he was CEO at the Doggies. He resigned despite his resume showing record results, or more likely 'resigned' ie was made to quit and got a payout.

Stevenson is leading all the nonsense AFL projects such as the China game and AFLX but I wouldn't be surprised to see him teflon his way into the AFL executive. Believe he is 'consulting' through his company Bold Works, which usually means he is being charged at extortionate amounts compared to being on staff.
 
Not sure about Zupergoals, Zippergoals, Zopper goals, Zippy Ki yay mother*er goals. Weird concept.
 
Jul 2, 2010
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  • Thread starter
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Another grubby AFL scheme to extract money from sponsors. Reckon the commentators were on commission for how many times they mentioned it. They need to get rid of the whole concept.

half the AFLs job is to get money from sponsors. Im not even sure Gordons club would still be around were it not for the AFL and this ability.
 
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