Fyfe seen as key in selling AFL sevens concept
FREMANTLE captain Nat Fyfe has emerged as a potential headline act for the inaugural AFLX tournament being planned for this September.
It is believed the AFL has held discussions with Fyfe (pictured) and his management over the past 12 months about the seven-a-side concept the league hopes to unveil in Mel- bourne on the September 1-3 bye weekend before the finals.
The league wants the 10 teams that miss the finals to take part in launching football’s answer to Twenty20 cricket and, with 6-6 Fremantle only a borderline chance of making the top eight, 2015 Brownlow medallist Fyfe has indicated preliminary interest.
He is in negotiations with Fremantle over a contract ex- tension that would make him the highest paid player in the Dockers’ history.
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich said clubs only recently learned about the AFLX proposal.
“Given that is the case, it is very much a wait-and-see approach at this stage before we can comment any further,” Rosich said. “In the meantime, we look forward to the AFL providing the necessary level of detail to the club.”
The close nature of the competition this season could complicate planning for the AFLX launch to go ahead, as most teams remain in the hunt to play finals.
The league faces a battle to convince clubs and players of the AFLX concept, but a commitment from Fyfe would give it a significant boost.