The Australian Football League is reportedly "preparing to launch a Twenty20-inspired version of the game later this year," which is seen as "the answer" to opening up int'l markets, according to Chris Cavanagh of the HERALD SUN. After "months of secret trials," AFLX -- a "high-octane, seven-a-side version of football played on soccer-sized grounds" with quarters shortened to 10 minutes -- is being "slated to be shown off to fans on the pre-finals bye weekend this year." The AFL said that it is looking to "showcase the new version of the game between the best players from teams that miss this year's finals series." Prize money and incentives are being discussed, and matches "could be televised nationally" on Fox Footy. The AFL trialed the concept with North Melbourne during the preseason and "made adjustments after a series of further practice matches" between players from Victorian Football League sides (HERALD SUN, 6/21). The AAP reported Melbourne footballer Max Gawn said that he "liked the idea of AFLX and even warmed to the concept of possibly playing for a rival team as cricketers do in Twenty20 competitions." Gawn added, "If I'm not playing finals, and Melbourne don't make finals, it would be a great concept" (AAP, 6/22).
'WORTHWHILE UNDERTAKING': In Melbourne, Ronny Lerner reported the AFL's "bold ambition" is "far from a done deal," with AFL Game Development Manager Simon Lethlean admitting he and his team still need to convince clubs and players it is a "worthwhile undertaking." Lethlean said that the AFLX idea had been "floated with the 18 clubs at the recent CEOs conference, but they were still waiting for more detail from the league on the proposal before lending their support." An "obvious issue" a club would have with allowing its players to play AFLX would be the "risk of them sustaining a serious long-term injury" (THE AGE, 6/22).
