SCOTT TELLS AFL CYNICS TO SUCK IT UP
GEELONG coach Chris Scott has a simple message for the traditionalists, cynics and naysayers lining up to talk down the razzle-dazzle of AFLX. “Too bad,” Scott said. The Cats lost to Adelaide in Thursday night’s “grand final” on a night the league unveiled its sparkling new abbreviated format, complete with flashing LED goalposts, frequent loud music during play and live stadium commentary.
“We’re at the stage where we have got to move past those sort of negative people,” he said.
“They don’t have to watch.”
“But they’re the same people that don’t like Twenty20 (cricket) either and I think that is succeeding in spite of them.”
About 10,253 spectators attended Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide for the first of three AFLX tournaments.
Thursday night had an average TV audience of 171,000 viewers and a total reach of 643,000.
Scott led a chorus of approval for the format, which features seven players a side and is played on a soccer-sized, rectangular field. It is being de- veloped as a product the league can take overseas to market the game internationally in locations where oval venues are not readily available.
The AFL yesterday admitted it felt “pretty good” about the debut but would explore ways to add high marking and physicality to the spectacle.
Scott said the format appealed not only as an elitelevel spectacle, but would be an invaluable game for children to learn Australian rules football.
“Our footy club really supports the concept,” Scott said.
“We think it not only has a good chance at the top level but probably more importantly, it has a good chance to succeed at the amateur level, and internationally as well.
“I have a view — and I think it’s shared by a few of the senior coaches around the competition — that 18 (players) versus 18 on a huge field is not the right way to go for young kids who can only kick the ball 30 metres.
“I think this (AFLX) is a really good way to learn the game.”
Scott’s views were support- ed by other coaches including Collingwood assistant Robert Harvey. Players universally expressed enjoyment of the format while noting the fast pace of the games.
“It’s a fun game,” Fremantle’s acting captain Michael Walters said.
“There’s a lot of flashy stuff that is going to happen out there but if the team doesn’t work as a unit, it can go pearshaped very quickly.”
But Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said the concept did not engage fans.
“Players enjoy playing it (AFLX) but I don’t know if fans like it or not,” Fagan said.
“Fans love the opportunity to celebrate after a goal and in that game you can’t do it because it moves too quickly.
“In cricket after a big six the crowd can carry on until the next ball is bowled a minute later but there is no gap (in AFLX) for the fans to get truly involved. I am not sure if the 10-point goal is a bit easy — 40m is not a long kick at all for a professional AFL player. Maybe give 10 points for a goal on or behind the halfway line — that is a long kick.”