Full contact AFL 9s, 'Origin'.

[Covertackle]

I hope this is the phantom 'main forum' i was told to post it in.


to the topic..............

Concept;

Soccer is the biggest danger to AFL national supremacy. It begins with the struggle for Juniors. Summer is now soccers free ride for TV exposure as it doesnt have another footy code to contend with.

Also, there are many Rugby and Soccer fields unused in the Summer.

AFL now has a foothold in most Asian countries due to expats running Auskick sessions for local kids. Do a google on AFL asia. Nearly every country is represented with Indonesia the closest.

These Asian countries have a lack of AFL size fields. They do however have Soccer fields that could be used with an AFL adapted 9's format with full rules. (put goal posts on dead ball lines thereby increasing field size to 120m).

The smaller field would require a modified ball that can be kicked flat and fast over short distances, but not long distances due to the smaller field. The ball should act something like a shuttlecock.

The format could be 4 quarters of 15 mins each. 9 players per team with 4 players on the bench for interchange. The game would be fast and suit smaller players but big guys can compete.

*The concept is to make AFL suitable for rugby and soccer fields.
*Introduce AFL to summer time (night games)
*Combat Soccer's TV summer monopoly.
*Give AFL 9's 'no contact touch footy' a higher profile as a summer sport round the country.

To get TV interest the National showpiece should be a full contact State of Origin format of 8 teams.

Viv Metro
Vic country
NSW/ACT
QLD
NT
WA
SA
TAS

14 rounds plus 1 final. Top 2 teams play off for the GF.

Its unlikely contracted AFL players would nominate for the game. So it would give talented Juniors and NEAFL players some exposure.


The night time format would combat the heat somewhat. Touch RL is played at night with an extremely low mortality rate....lol

AFL players play in 28 deg pretty frequently. Not many nights are that hot, and with no direct sunlight makes it even more comfortable. I dont see heat as an issue.

The Origin concept and the exciting young players make it attractive. Also it legitimizes the use of Rugby and soccer fields for the space starved Asian, European and North, and South Americas whos fields are mostly Rugby sized. Its an introduction to AFL that utilizes the facilities available in other countries. Down the track a World FC (full contact) series could be an annual event. An Asian conference could run concurrently with ours or when Soccer season over there is ended and AFL can use the fields.

The ball may be an issue, but all the money Sherrin makes it wouldn't hurt them to do some product development.

Players should be restricted to one or two bounces.

Thoughts?

 

[swansfan51]

Actual full contact, or the current rules where brushing someone above the shoulder results in a 3 week ban?

 

[utility]

Soccer is unlikely to be any more of a threat than basketball. All the good players leave and you watch second-graders locally.

I had previously thought up of a six-a-side competition on a soccer pitch dimensions (though still an oval) as a method for pre-season training, which could be expanded into a full-blown competition.

Pretty much the same rules would apply with some minor tweaks, with perhaps 6 on the bench and 10-15 minute quarters. That way it is more about aerobic fitness/fitness training, elite disposal and 1-on-1 contests.

With such a competition the AFL could run it during pre-season training in lieu of the 'night competition', and would be flexible enough to have multiple games per week and mid-week games. Rectangular stadiums would be more accessible as there'd be no cricket wickets to worry about and most/all would have lighting for night games - mitigating issues with heat.

With so few players per match clubs could pick players based on their training regime. It would essentially be simulated match practice for the H&A season. It could be marketed with warm up games either consisting of a women's competition, elite under-aged competition, or "legends/super rules" competition, etc.

With AFLPA support you could have AFL 'branded' matches from January through September (9 months), or even consider matches in December. The length and timing of games would lend themselves well to television, particularly to Foxtel programming.

 

[Pessimistic]

I like the idea of footy stating in january, even if its claytons footy

Combining it with promotion in other countries in a consistent appropriate way would be good. Afl sponsors want asian or overseas exposure too

 

[Roddy]

I hope this is the phantom 'main forum' i was told to post it in.


to the topic..............

Concept;

Soccer is the biggest danger to AFL national supremacy.

Lost me already. Soccer is nothing in this country, it's a tiny blotch on the AFL's enormous arse. That was proven a coupla years back when we were laughed out of contention for the 2018 and 2024 World Cups. That was soccer in Australia's last hope. It is now doing what it should have done in the first place, losing its delusions of grandeur in this country and settling into its small but committed niche, and developing that, rather than trying to dominate. The one and only reason it plays in summer here, when it's a winter sport virtually across the rest of the world, is that it's too scared to compete with the big boys. Soccer going up against football in this country would be like the Minyip Thirds going up against Hawthorn.
Football doesn't need any kind of contrived comp to stay ahead, it just needs to keep doing what it's doing and it's absolute supremacy is assured.

 

[utility]

With AFLPA support you could have AFL 'branded' matches from January through September (9 months), or even consider matches in December.

Given that October/November are all about player movements (FA, trades, drafts, etc.) the AFL could get exposure 12 months of the year. There is a risk of saturation/over-saturation but given they like $$$ I'm guessing being in the papers 12 months of the year means more $$$.

My initial thinking around this was to have a 'non-sanctioned' out-of-season competition involving 4 (to 8) teams (extra $$$ direct to clubs), but I can see the AFL or AFLPA slamming down on it if it wasn't endorsed. It could be a nice little earner for clubs with what is essentially a modified and supplementary training program.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

God I hate code wars. So pathetic.

Who gives a shit if soccer becomes more popular in summer? You think footy is just gonna disappear?

 

[fabulousphil]

MO would be to spice up the NTAFL, which plays in the AFL and southern leagues off season, whether someone like foxtel, the AFL or even private investors would deem it worth it, is another question, very entertaining open game up in the top end, and no coaches like Roos and Lyon to turn it into a defensive slog.

9's or 6's would work in the offseason as well on smaller grounds.

And how is this for interesting/bizarre, initially i thought it was a joke, but apparently was taken very seriously and was deemed to work out fine........ 3 teams on the ground at once.

http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/three-teams-footy-a-winning-experiment/

 

[Covertackle]

3 teams on the ground at once.

http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/three-teams-footy-a-winning-experiment/

I like it!! That would be fascinating....

Your young fella play for Redlands Phil?

 

[fabulousphil]

I like it!! That would be fascinating....

Your young fella play for Redlands Phil?

Nope, they all play in Perth.

 

[Covertackle]

Roddy said..
Lost me already. Soccer is nothing in this country, it's a tiny blotch on the AFL's enormous arse.

Soccer have more Juniors than any other code.

 

[CF]

I don't mind the concept of what the OPer proposes. I'm not sure how a competition that has no stars playing in it could compete with Cricket, Tennis, and other summer sports.

 

[fabulousphil]

Soccer have more Juniors than any other code.

That obviously means something, netball is huge in the participation stakes as well.

IMO, and from my observations, a lot of kids who play soccer ( not all) play it because their parents think it is safe, play it for something to do, play it because their parents demand they play a sport etc etc etc.

From my observations, many of the kids playing soccer don't really have the passion for the sport, it is sort of like a throw away toy, now don't get me wrong, i am sure there are kids who play football for the same reasons, and i have noticed that, but from my observations, there is a much lower %.

Soccer is always going to be a high particiaption sport.

 

[tb0x]

outdoor indoor footy?

 

[Roddy]

That obviously means something, netball is huge in the participation stakes as well.

IMO, and from my observations, a lot of kids who play soccer ( not all) play it because their parents think it is safe, play it for something to do, play it because their parents demand they play a sport etc etc etc.

From my observations, many of the kids playing soccer don't really have the passion for the sport, it is sort of like a throw away toy, now don't get me wrong, i am sure there are kids who play football for the same reasons, and i have noticed that, but from my observations, there is a much lower %.

Soccer is always going to be a high particiaption sport.

Yeah, it's the same in America, and yet soccer is even smaller compared to the NFL than it is compared to the AFL. It's the 'soccer mom's' sport, it means absolutely nothing if it doesn't translate to popularity at the top end. That's just a worthless statistic for the soccerina's to cling desperately to...

 

[Furn2]

Who would the teams be ?

 

[Pessimistic]

I don't mind the concept of what the OPer proposes. I'm not sure how a competition that has no stars playing in it could compete with Cricket, Tennis, and other summer sports.

Depending on the game, retired stars could participate. Pre season no problem because it is the pre season.

It could gu under the name XXX summer footy xxx being sponsorship. As its a new concept it can keep changing until something resonates put KB in charge of the rules. It could be here, either up north or in regional centres, or close countries or even far ones, designed to coincide with afl leagues in those countries to reinforce them.

Maybe dont align with australian states or teams but create say eight franchises, allow them to be privately held, bought and sold etc etc

I realise it may not be successful, but if it was the danger would be the private nature might eventually usurp the afl and poach star players from it. Youd like to think it would increase the talent pool for everyone.

In a way the indigenous guys touring ireland is a step on the way to it

 

[Covertackle]

That obviously means something, netball is huge in the participation stakes as well.

IMO, and from my observations, a lot of kids who play soccer ( not all) play it because their parents think it is safe, play it for something to do, play it because their parents demand they play a sport etc etc etc.

From my observations, many of the kids playing soccer don't really have the passion for the sport, it is sort of like a throw away toy, now don't get me wrong, i am sure there are kids who play football for the same reasons, and i have noticed that, but from my observations, there is a much lower %.

Soccer is always going to be a high particiaption sport.

i was going to post the point you have made. i wrote it but didnt post it. it said.

Kids who play soccer do so because parents make the decision for them. kids who play (rugby league) do so from their own choice.

on another point.

AFL needs to get into 'soccer mums' heads that Auskick is as safe as soccer. The fact is AFL HAVE identified this and have moved to make the non contact and 'hold n release' AFL with zones uniform across he nation. Now they have to sell it. Not only to soccer mums but to AFL parents who hate the softly softly Auskick concept.

There is no footy code played in summer. Even soccer doesnt besides the A league. AFL could get the drop on all the codes by introducing some format similar to the one in the OP.

 

[Covertackle]

Who would the teams be ?

STATE OF ORIGIN

To get TV interest the National showpiece should be a full contact State of Origin format of 8 teams.

Viv Metro
Vic country
NSW/ACT
QLD
NT
WA
SA
TAS

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

God I hate code wars. So pathetic.

Who gives a shit if soccer becomes more popular in summer? You think footy is just gonna disappear?

Yep. There's room for strong Association Football, Australian Football, Rugby and Rugby League among other sports. Whether rugby and cricket will remain strong is another question, but there is no reason why they can't.

 

[Pessimistic]

I saw the nrl have a lightning premiership set for new zealand in the next pre season

 

[fabulousphil]

STATE OF ORIGIN

To get TV interest the National showpiece should be a full contact State of Origin format of 8 teams.

Viv Metro
Vic country
NSW/ACT
QLD
NT
WA
SA
TAS

Reckon ACT could have their own team, i like a 9's format, but the question remains, do the AFL want to flood the market, thet may take ratings off cricket, soccer and basketball, but they may also possibly kill some interest in each new football season.

As it stands football fans really look forward to the new season, after watching enough cricket etc.

Having a comp in the off season could actually work against building interest in the new season.

However would a nines format on smaller grounds detract from a new season ?.

 

[fabulousphil]

Yep. There's room for strong Association Football, Australian Football, Rugby and Rugby League among other sports. Whether rugby and cricket will remain strong is another question, but there is no reason why they can't.

Just my observation from a corner of this huge continent, but i reckon cricket is making a very big comeback, and there is plenty of money involved in it.

 

[JapanFootball]

I hope this is the phantom 'main forum' i was told to post it in.



The Origin concept and the exciting young players make it attractive. Also it legitimizes the use of Rugby and soccer fields for the space starved Asian, European and North, and South Americas whos fields are mostly Rugby sized. Its an introduction to AFL that utilizes the facilities available in other countries. Down the track a World FC (full contact) series could be an annual event. An Asian conference could run concurrently with ours or when Soccer season over there is ended and AFL can use the fields.

The ball may be an issue, but all the money Sherrin makes it wouldn't hurt them to do some product development.

Players should be restricted to one or two bounces.

Thoughts?

I wonder if you have ever heard of the Japan AFL (www.jafl.org). JAFL is the longest running league and only league in Asia that is run by locals. We have been playing on rugby and soccer fields for as long as football has been played here. AFL Asia is an exciting new prospect but was only started this year. There are currently 6 teams based in Tokyo and one each in Osaka and Nagoya. 5 of these teams are all Japanese, one team is a mixture of foreign and Japanese born players and two teams are expat teams. In Japan we play 9v9 on rugby fields because of all the factors listed in your post.

The JAFL season starts in May and runs through until November with a break during the hottest Summer months. I have been a player for the Osaka Dingoes (www.osakadingoes.com) and admin since 2010. A few years ago it was 11v11, but the numbers of have been reduced to nine per side due to too much congestion. 9 players makes for a more free flowing game and one where fitness is still vitally important. Unlimited numbers of players are allowed on the bench. I have posted a video of one of our recent night matches in Tokyo for you to see what this format of football might look like.






Recently the AFL have spent a fortune building a full size ground in China, but the future of promoting football in Asia is in making use of the facilities already available. I don't see why a different version of football couldn't become more popular in Australia. If cricket can do it, why can't football?

 

[fabulousphil]

I wonder if you have ever heard of the Japan AFL (www.jafl.org). JAFL is the longest running league and only league in Asia that is run by locals. We have been playing on rugby and soccer fields for as long as football has been played here. AFL Asia is an exciting new prospect but was only started this year. There are currently 6 teams based in Tokyo and one each in Osaka and Nagoya. 5 of these teams are all Japanese, one team is a mixture of foreign and Japanese born players and two teams are expat teams. In Japan we play 9v9 on rugby fields because of all the factors listed in your post.

The JAFL season starts in May and runs through until November with a break during the hottest Summer months. I have been a player for the Osaka Dingoes (www.osakadingoes.com) and admin since 2010. A few years ago it was 11v11, but the numbers of have been reduced to nine per side due to too much congestion. 9 players makes for a more free flowing game and one where fitness is still vitally important. Unlimited numbers of players are allowed on the bench. I have posted a video of one of our recent night matches in Tokyo for you to see what this format of football might look like.






Recently the AFL have spent a fortune building a full size ground in China, but the future of promoting football in Asia is in making use of the facilities already available. I don't see why a different version of football couldn't become more popular in Australia. If cricket can do it, why can't football?

Very cool , i see kicking the ball is the main problem faced by people picking up the game at a advanced age, and by advanced i mean late teens/twenties.

But don't worry to much, there is plenty of AFL players running around who can't kick either.

The main thing is for new people picking up the game is enjoyment, and they look to be doing that.