AFL’s shorter, sharper experiment blunted by absence of prizemoney

THE AFL won’t offer prizemoney to the winners of the inaugural AFLX series next month.

League football operations boss Steve Hocking has told player representatives there would be no extra money on offer in the series, which will run in three different states on February 15- 17. It was widely believed the AFL would put up about $ 10,000 per player to help draw the game’s biggest stars to play in the new sevena- side competition.

But the league has called on clubs and players to show faith in the concept in the crucial first phase next month, without dangling the prizemoney carrot. While the league is hopeful the franchise stars will take part, there is a realistic view clubs are likely to showcase a lot of their younger players and prized draft picks.

Clubs are still developing their selection policies but are unlikely to risk some of their biggest names.

The AFL said it would reconsider offering prizemoney or cash incentives to the best players following a review of the maiden AFLX.

It means players and fans may reap rewards if it takes off in coming years.

The AFL was encouraged by the results of some early AFLX trial games involving Geelong, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

Geelong coach Chris Scott threw his strong support be- hind the concept last month, but said there would “probably ( be) less contact” in the modified game.

“But that’s not necessarily by design. It’s just a function of the fact the ball moves so quickly,” Scott said.

“There’s a trend across the world of shortening games and smaller teams, and shorter games for the viewer as well.

“And I think at junior level, I think it just makes so much sense for 10- year- olds to be playing on smaller fields with fewer numbers on the field.”

AFLX will also act as a replacement for the third preseason game.

Teams will play the AFLX Series plus two JLT pre- season games each from February 24March 11.