Hubbry Logo
AFLXAFLXMain
Open search
AFLX
Community hub
AFLX
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
AFLX
AFLX
AFLX
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

AFLX is a variation of Australian rules football designed in 2017 to be played on a soccer field (significantly smaller than the Australian rules oval). Unlike the full 18-a-side game (or the already established variant for rectangular fields, nine-a-side footy, including the AFL's own variant AFL 9s), AFLX required fewer players (initially 7, but increased to 8) with some modified rules aimed at generating higher scores, including increased scoring points. It was founded in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience outside of its origin country of Australia.[1] The AFL billed AFLX as its answer to Twenty20 or rugby sevens.[2]

Key Information

The AFL held two official Australian Football League (AFL) pre-season AFLX competitions featuring senior AFL clubs and players, in 2018 and 2019, but these were unpopular with spectators and did not return in 2020.[3]

The variation continues to be promoted by the AFL Commission as a participation sport in development regions and areas, and particularly where full-sized cricket grounds are not available. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, AFLX has been merged with AFL 9s and retained only the X brand, co-branding AFL 9s as Junior X, Youth X and Senior X and aligning it with the more widely established 9-a-side format.

Rules

[edit]

The rules of the game differed from standard Australian rules football in some significant ways. The game was played on a rectangular soccer-sized pitch, allowing matches to be hosted by stadiums that usually lacked the suitable field dimensions for Australian rules football. The format was modified in the second year, with AFLX 2019 seeing slightly changed rules:[4][5]

  • Games consist of two 10-minute halves with a two-minute break at half-time.
  • Played on a rectangular field with dimensions similar to that of a soccer field.
  • Eight players on the field per team, with six players on the bench and no limit to rotations (up from the 10 players per side in 2018).
  • Last-touch out-of-bounds rule introduced (team that had last touch loses possession).
  • The field umpire will throw the ball up to begin play at the start of each half and after a supergoal is scored.
  • 10-point super goals are registered for goals kicked from outside the 40-metre arc.
  • No marks paid for backwards kicks (except for kicks/marks inside the forward[6] 40-metre arc).
  • Free shot from inside the 40-metre arc to the opposite team in the event of a rushed behind.
  • Players can run 20 metres without taking a bounce or touching the ball on the ground.

History

[edit]

AFLX was first trialled at Arden Street Oval in January 2017.[7] Two months later, it was trialed at was first trialled on a soccer pitch at Lakeside Stadium in a match between the Port Melbourne Football Club and Coburg Football Club.[7] It was launched by AFL manager of football operations Simon Lethlean that July and later hailed by the AFL as key means of kickstarting Australian rules football in China as part of the AFL and Port Adelaide's push in to the country which was acknowledged to lacked the infrastructure to support the growth of the full 18-player game.[8]

AFLX pre-season competition was launched by AFL chief executive officer Gillon McLachlan at Docklands Stadium on 6 February 2018. McLachlan said that AFLX would help promote football internationally.[9]

The 2018 competition attracted more than 40,000 fans to tournaments in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. In Melbourne, TV ratings were reported as "modest" by AFL standards, with the three events drawing an average five-city metro audience of over 120,000 on Channel Seven's secondary channels.[10]

The AFL made several rule tweaks midway through the second season in attempt to make it higher scoring by inflating the scoring points for behinds from 1 to 2, goals from 6 to 12 and Super Goals from 10 to 20.[11]

The 2019 E. J. Whitten Legends Game was also played under "EJX" (modified version of AFLX named after E J Whitten) at AAMI Park in Melbourne.[12] It attracted just 6,000 spectators, the lowest in the series history.

AFLX did not return as a senior AFL competition in 2020, as AFL had a greater focus on AFLW.[3]

Post the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFL increased the number of players to 9, effectively merging AFLX with AFL 9s and aligning with the widely established 9-a-side format.[13]

Reception

[edit]

The reception to the two AFL pre-season competitions among fans and the media was mostly poor,[14][15] with ABC Radio Grandstand journalist Richard Hinds being particularly savage in labelling it a "hollow, unappealing, pressure-free, atmosphere-deficient, oval-in-a-rectangle hole yawn-fest".[16]

Con Stavros of RMIT's school of Economics, Finance and Marketing, expressed doubts about the potential of AFLX to export Australian rules football but acknowledged that using rectangular playing fields instead of the standard cricket ones would make such expansion easier.[17]

AFL Pre-season Tournaments

[edit]
Season Winner(s)
2018 Group A: Adelaide Crows
Group B: Melbourne Demons
Group C: Brisbane Lions
2019 Rampage

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

AFLX

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
AFLX is a modified, fast-paced variant of introduced by the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2018, designed to showcase thrilling skills and attract new fans through shortened, high-scoring matches played with seven or eight players per side on the field on a rectangular 110m by 70m field. was trialed in the AFL pre-season in 2018 (three events) and 2019 (one event). The 2018 format consisted of two 10-minute halves with a two-minute break, followed by a five-minute interval between games and a 15-minute break before finals in tournament settings; each event featured six teams divided into two pools of three, with teams in the same pool playing each other once, leading to semi-finals and a based on pool results. The 2019 event used a four-team round-robin format. Innovations included "Zooper goals" worth 10 points when scored through outer ring posts, though experimental silver balls for easier kicking were trialed briefly in 2018 and then abandoned. tournaments were held in pre-season across cities like , , and , with the inaugural event won by the Adelaide Crows in a high-scoring final against . Despite initial success in delivering fast-paced action, the AFL discontinued from pre-season fixtures after the 2019 trial, citing a shift back to traditional formats; as of 2025, it has not been revived officially, though community versions continue.

Introduction and Purpose

Definition and Origins

AFLX is a fast-paced, modified version of Australian rules football developed and first trialled by the Australian Football League (AFL) in 2017, and officially introduced in 2018 to highlight the sport's dynamic elements in a condensed format. The core concept centers on gameplay conducted on rectangular fields roughly the size of standard soccer pitches, utilizing smaller teams to prioritize speed, skill exhibitions, and continuous action, with the explicit aim of expanding the sport's appeal to diverse and international audiences. The format was first trialled in January 2017 at with players. A second trial occurred in March 2017 at in , where VFL-affiliated teams and participated in a closed-door . Unlike traditional AFL matches, which occur on expansive oval fields with larger squads, AFLX's scaled-down dimensions and team sizes enable simpler setups for global venues and quicker engagement, mirroring innovations like T20 or that have successfully broadened their parent sports' reach.

Objectives and Design Goals

The Australian Football League (AFL) developed AFLX with the primary objective of attracting new fans, particularly in international markets, by emphasizing the sport's most thrilling aspects such as high scoring and continuous action. This format was intended to make more accessible in regions where traditional oval grounds are scarce, allowing games to be played on rectangular fields like soccer pitches in urban environments. By showcasing these dynamic elements, AFLX aimed to introduce the sport to non-traditional audiences, including soccer-dominant areas, to broaden its global appeal. Commercially, AFLX sought to heighten interest in the pre-season period by replacing part of the traditional JLT Community Series with a more engaging, structure involving all 18 clubs. This overhaul was designed to test the format's export potential and generate media-friendly content, akin to a "highlight reel," to boost visibility and sponsorship opportunities ahead of the main season. AFL general manager of football operations Andrew Dillon highlighted this intent in a 2017 announcement, stating that the three separate tournaments were chosen "to introduce clubs, their players, their fans and the wider public to the AFLX game." The design philosophy behind AFLX focused on shortening game duration to two 10-minute halves and simplifying play with fewer participants to enhance television suitability and playability in diverse settings. This approach reduced complexity while preserving the sport's excitement, positioning AFLX as the AFL's equivalent to cricket in terms of fast-paced innovation. In October 2017, AFL executive general manager of football Steve Hocking emphasized providing "a different experience for fans and young kids" to engage broader audiences through this accessible format.

Format and Rules

Field, Teams, and Equipment

AFLX are contested on a rectangular field similar to a soccer pitch, measuring approximately 110 meters in by 70 meters in width. The playing surface includes 40-meter arcs marked around each set of goal posts to delineate scoring zones for super goals, while forgoing traditional oval-shaped boundary lines in favor of straight sidelines and goal lines. Goal structures consist of two full-height posts at each end, with standard behind posts positioned 6.4 meters outward, enabling behind scoring alongside goals. Each team fields 8 players on the ground—typically comprising 2 defenders, 1 , 1 ruck, 2 wingers, and 2 forwards—with an additional 6 players available on the interchange bench, for a total squad of 14. This configuration, adopted for the 2019 tournament, represented an increase from the 7-on-field format (with 3 interchanges, totaling 10 players per side) used in early trials and the 2018 event, allowing unlimited rotations to sustain a high pace of play. The equipment used in AFLX was consistent with standard , featuring the regulation ball and player uniforms without specialized modifications, except for a brief of silver-colored balls in the opening 2018 event in , which was abandoned after the first night. Goal posts incorporate LED lighting to signal scores immediately after goals or behinds. AFLX games are adapted to non-traditional venues, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play on rectangular surfaces rather than ovals; examples include the indoor Etihad Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) in for 2018 and 2019 events, and the outdoor in for the 2018 opening night.

Gameplay Modifications

AFLX introduced several rule modifications to standard , aiming to accelerate the pace of play and enhance excitement on the smaller rectangular field. Central to these changes was the elimination of marks for backward kicks outside the attacking 40-meter arc, which discouraged defensive play and encouraged forward momentum by forcing players to either or kick ahead. This rule applied universally except within the forward 15-meter zone, where marks remained possible to maintain some structure near the goals. Another key innovation involved power kicks, allowing players to attempt "super goals" from beyond the 40-meter arc, where successful shots through the big sticks were initially valued at 10 points to reward long-range accuracy and bold decision-making. Additionally, a last-touch rule for out-of-bounds situations awarded a to the opposing team based on the final point of contact, reducing stoppages and promoting continuous action compared to traditional throw-ins. Interchange rules were liberalized to sustain high intensity, permitting unlimited rotations among players without halting play, which facilitated quick substitutions and kept the game flowing without the fatigue associated with limited benches in standard AFL. In the inaugural format, teams fielded 10 players with seven on the ground and three on the bench; this expanded to 14 players (eight on field, six on bench) in to further support non-stop participation. Tackling and physical contact largely mirrored AFL standards but were adapted for the compact field dimensions, emphasizing rapid transitions and close-quarters contests to heighten the game's intensity without introducing new restrictions on physicality. Penalties for infringements, such as holding the ball or deliberate rushed behinds, were moderated—reducing 50-meter penalties to 25 meters and granting set shots for rushed points—to minimize disruptions while upholding fairness. For the 2019 tournament, organizers increased the super goal value to 20 points under specific conditions, such as during the final five minutes when activated by a designated "game-changer" player, up from the flat 10 points in 2018, alongside minor balance tweaks like a 10-second for set shots and extended running distances without bouncing the ball (to 20 meters). These adjustments sought to amplify late-game drama and scoring opportunities while refining overall equilibrium.

Scoring and Match Structure

AFLX matches are structured as two 10-minute halves of continuous play with no time-on, separated by a two-minute break at half-time. This format applies to both the 2018 and 2019 tournaments, emphasizing fast-paced action without traditional quarters. Standard scoring in AFLX mirrors that of the Australian Football League, awarding six points for a goal—where the ball is kicked through the goal posts without touching the ground or another player—and one point for a behind, when the ball passes over the goal line between a goal post and a behind post or touches either goal post. In 2019, a 10-second shot clock was introduced for set shots at goal to maintain momentum. A key innovation was the super goal, designed to reward long-range accuracy. In 2018, a super goal was worth 10 points and awarded for a kick from beyond the 40-meter arc that passed through the goal posts without touching the ground. For the 2019 tournament, super goals were scored from kicks originating inside or behind the launch zone—a designated area approximately 40 meters from goal—and were worth 10 points, or by a teammate marking such a kick inside the 15-meter forward zone and then goaling. In the event of a tie, resolution varied by year and context. The 2018 grand finals used extra time-on, with the first team to score a or behind declared the winner. By 2019, the " Game Changer" rule addressed close contests: in the final five minutes, each team nominated a player whose scoring output doubled—behind 2 points, 12 points, super 20 points—with play pausing for 30 seconds to reposition the nominated players, potentially allowing a decisive super to break a tie. Tournament structure featured round-robin pools leading to across multiple events. In 2018, each of the three locations hosted six teams divided into two pools of three, with pool winners advancing to a . The 2019 single-event format at Marvel Stadium involved four drafted teams playing a round-robin series in which each team contests three matches (six total), culminating in a between the top two performers.

History

Development and Initial Trials (2017)

The development of AFLX originated from the AFL's efforts to create a condensed, high-energy variant of suitable for rectangular fields and international markets. Internal prototyping began in late 2016 with secret trials featuring seven-player teams to emphasize speed and continuous play. By early , these tests had evolved to evaluate both seven-a-side and eight-a-side configurations, aiming to optimize the format's intensity while maintaining tactical depth. In March 2017, the AFL conducted a significant closed-door exhibition at in , pitting (VFL) clubs against . The match consisted of four 10-minute quarters, with the first two using eight players per side and the latter two reverting to seven, allowing testers to assess impacts on flow and physicality. This trial marked a key step in rule refinement. No public spectators were permitted, aligning with the AFL's strategy to gather proprietary insights before broader rollout. AFL chief executive played a central role in championing the initiative, positioning AFLX as a "high-octane" innovation to accelerate the sport's global expansion, particularly into regions like where rectangular venues predominate. Internal evaluations from these early sessions praised the format's rapid tempo and spectator-friendly elements, such as reduced stoppages, though adjustments continued to ensure it complemented rather than competed with traditional AFL. Players involved in the trials reported positive experiences, noting the game's demanding fitness requirements and entertainment value. The public announcement of AFLX came on June 22, 2017, when revealed plans for a debut tournament involving non-finals AFL teams during the pre-finals bye weekend. This disclosure built on the internal trials' success in demonstrating enhanced pace, with executives emphasizing its potential to attract casual viewers through shorter, action-packed matches. Following further development, the format settled on seven-player teams for the inaugural event, which was rescheduled to the 2018 pre-season.

2018 Pre-season Tournament

The inaugural AFLX pre-season tournament took place from February 15 to 17, 2018, across three Australian cities: at , at Etihad Stadium, and at Allianz Stadium. All 18 AFL clubs participated, organized into three independent events, each comprising six teams divided into two pools of three for round-robin play. The winner of each pool advanced to a at the conclusion of the day's matches, providing a fast-paced introduction to the modified AFLX format ahead of the main AFL season. In the Adelaide tournament, Pool 1 featured the Adelaide Crows, Port Adelaide, and Fremantle, while Pool 2 included Geelong, Collingwood, and West Coast Eagles. The Crows topped their pool undefeated and defeated Geelong 3.3.7 (55) to 2.4.3 (47) in the grand final, securing the inaugural AFLX title for the host city before a crowd of 10,253. The Melbourne event pitted the Melbourne Demons, Hawthorn, and Western Bulldogs in Pool 1 against Carlton, Essendon, and North Melbourne in Pool 2; the Demons won both pool games and overcame Hawthorn by 10 points in the decider, drawing 22,585 spectators to Etihad Stadium. In Sydney, the Brisbane Lions went undefeated in Pool 1 (with GWS Giants and Richmond), advancing to beat the Sydney Swans 5.2.5 (67) to 2.3.3 (41) in the grand final, attended by 9,892 fans at Allianz Stadium. The three events collectively attracted over 42,000 fans, with Etihad Stadium hosting the largest single-day crowd. This tournament marked the first competitive implementation of key AFLX innovations, notably the 10-point super goal awarded for kicks from beyond the 40-meter arc, which added strategic emphasis on long-range accuracy during the shortened 10-minute quarters.

2019 Tournament and Immediate Aftermath

The 2019 AFLX tournament, held as a one-night event on February 22 at Marvel Stadium in , featured eight invited teams comprising AFL players divided into superhero-themed squads, with the format modified to eight players per side on the field. Each team was captained by a prominent player, including for Rampage, for Flyers, for Deadly, and for Renegades, with matches structured in a pool format leading to semifinals and a . The tournament introduced modifications such as the "Gatorade game-changer" , allowing a nominated player to enter the field for a limited time to influence play. In the grand final, Rampage defeated Flyers 84–67, with Riewoldt securing the victory by kicking a 20-point super goal in the final seconds after a turnover. Earlier rounds saw competitive pool play, including a last-second win for Flyers over another , but overall totaled 23,828, reflecting a more contained event compared to the multi-venue debut. The lower turnout, with the upper deck of the stadium closed, underscored early challenges in engaging audiences for the format. Following the event, the AFL announced on August 5, 2019, that AFLX would be removed from the pre-season fixture after its two-year trial, citing feedback from clubs that the format had not met expectations for appeal and player preparation. This decision aimed to streamline the off-season calendar and prioritize integration with the (AFLW) pre-season activities, providing clearer focus for women's competition scheduling. The move marked an immediate pivot away from the experimental AFLX structure in favor of traditional pre-season practices.

Reception and Impact

Media and Expert Criticism

Media coverage of AFLX during its inaugural season highlighted initial excitement from the fast-paced , with journalists noting its potential to showcase thrilling elements like quick transitions and highlight-reel plays, particularly appealing to younger audiences who described it as "fun" and "exciting." However, this enthusiasm waned by , as reviews portrayed the tournament as a "fading novelty" and "bastardised version" of the sport, reduced to "glorified circle work" lacking the physical intensity and competitive stakes of traditional AFL. Prominent critics in Australian media lambasted AFLX for its perceived superficiality and departure from the game's core identity. Richard Hinds of ABC Sport described it as a "hollow yawn-fest" and "un-AFL," arguing that its pressure-free, atmosphere-deficient structure on a rectangular field resembled " on steroids" rather than an innovative evolution capable of global expansion. Similarly, The Age's Michael Gleeson criticized the ruleset for not resembling AFL at all, questioning its purpose and fit within the sport's ecosystem, likening it to an undefined "game X" that disrupted pre-season preparations without clear benefits. Expert opinions from AFL coaches echoed these concerns, emphasizing AFLX's lack of tactical depth and unrepresentativeness of the full game's demands. Coaches expressed nervousness over the format's diluted intensity, with minimal tackling, few contested marks, and relaxed ball pressure making it feel like "football-decaf" rather than a concentrated showcase of strategy and physicality. While some, like Geelong's Chris Scott, initially praised its potential for international accessibility and youth development—comparing it favorably to —broader skepticism persisted regarding its viability for global adoption, as it failed to embody the sport's traditional elements that define AFL's unique appeal. By the end of the 2019 tournament, a negative consensus had solidified among analysts and insiders, with AFLX viewed as a gimmicky distraction that prioritized spectacle over substance, ultimately undermining efforts to grow the sport domestically and abroad.

Fan Engagement and Attendance Figures

The inaugural 2018 AFLX tournament drew a total attendance of approximately 42,730 fans across its three host cities: 22,585 at Etihad Stadium in , 10,253 at Coopers Stadium in , and 9,892 at Allianz Stadium in . Attendance figures declined significantly in 2019, with the single-day event at Marvel Stadium attracting around 24,000 spectators overall. Individual matches often saw sparse crowds, exemplified by the 2019 (branded as EJX and played in AFLX format) at AAMI Park, which recorded only 6,000 attendees. Television viewership for AFLX remained modest throughout its run, with broadcasts primarily on . In 2018, ratings were described as underwhelming despite the novelty of the format, partly overshadowed by the Winter Olympics. The 2019 tournament was broadcast on the Seven Network and , but specific viewership figures were not widely reported. Social media engagement generated initial excitement in 2018, driven by player draft announcements and promotional content from captains like Dustin Martin and Rory Sloane, but interest waned by 2019 amid growing skepticism about the format's viability. Fan feedback, as reflected in post-event commentary, was mixed: some appreciated the faster pace and entertainment elements, while many expressed a preference for traditional Australian rules football structures. Overall engagement metrics indicated minimal impact on pre-season ticket , with AFLX failing to significantly boost broader series attendance, which hovered around 93,514 for the 2019 JLT Community Series—a modest 4.6% increase from the prior year but disconnected from AFLX's draw.

Current Status and Legacy

Discontinuation and Merger with AFL 9s

In August 2019, the AFL announced the discontinuation of AFLX as a senior pre-season competition, removing it from the 2020 fixture to prioritize the expansion of the league, which was set to include four new clubs. The decision followed two seasons of trials marked by skepticism from clubs and fans, with the league aiming to streamline the pre-season and reduce risks to male players ahead of the core AFL season. No senior AFLX events occurred in 2020, as the disrupted the AFL calendar entirely, exacerbating the shift away from the format amid its lukewarm reception. Post-discontinuation, AFLX elements were integrated into community-level formats starting in 2021, evolving into non-contact, participation-focused variations under the AFL 9s umbrella. The senior spectacle was replaced by adaptations, including AFL X for younger players (ages 8-14) and AFL 9s for youth and adults (14+), emphasizing social play on smaller fields with teams of nine. These rebranded versions, such as Junior X for primary school-aged children, promoted skill development and inclusivity in development regions without the high-stakes structure of the original AFLX. The merger reflected a broader strategic pivot toward AFLW pre-season integration and sustainable growth in core AFL participation, while sustaining AFLX-inspired rules as a tool for in non-traditional areas. Between 2020 and 2022, no senior revivals materialized, with emphasis instead on expanding junior AFLX and AFL 9s registrations—for example, over 300 AFL 9s teams in NSW/ACT in spring 2020—to foster long-term grassroots involvement.

Recent Proposals for Revival (2020–2025)

Following the discontinuation of after the 2019 , discussions on reviving the format remained limited in official and media circles through much of the early , with the AFL focusing instead on integrating elements into AFL 9s. By 2025, however, renewed interest emerged in reimagining AFLX-like fast-paced competitions as part of broader fixture innovations, particularly a proposed mid-season . This concept, floated by AFL executives during club CEO meetings in July 2025, envisions a secondary knockout-style event—potentially dubbed an "AFL Cup"—run within the home-and-away season over a concentrated block of three rounds, featuring wildcards, golden tickets to finals, and prizes such as draft picks or soft cap relief. Media coverage on platforms like Fox Footy and The Age highlighted the proposal's potential ties to AFLX, with commentators drawing direct comparisons to the earlier experiment's abbreviated format and zone-based play, labeling it "AFLX 2.0" due to shared risks of diluting the premiership chase. Advocates, including new AFL football boss Greg Swann, argued for its value in generating "more content and marquee moments," such as Gather Round-style events in non-traditional markets like Queensland or New Zealand, to boost export potential at low cost without extending the overall season. The idea aligns with preparations for Tasmania's 2028 entry, expanding to 19 teams and enabling formats like a single-round-robin home-and-away schedule supplemented by this mid-season spectacle. Counterarguments from experts underscored concerns over repeating AFLX's pitfalls, including player fatigue, injury risks, and clubs resting stars to prioritize integrity. AFL legend , speaking on Fox Footy's AFL 360, described the tournament as "fraught with danger," warning that without substantial incentives—like up to $5 million in or direct qualification—it could fail to secure full participation and undermine season awards. Club leaders echoed this skepticism at the July meetings, emphasizing insufficient fan and broadcaster buy-in absent meaningful rewards. As of November 2025, the proposal remains in the ideation stage, with no formal adoption by the AFL, which continues to prioritize structural changes like a potential 10-team finals expansion over experimental formats. Broadcast partners Seven and have expressed openness to post-season trials, but the league's focus on integration suggests any AFLX revival would likely evolve into an All-Stars or wildcard tie-in rather than a standalone summer event.

AFL Pre-season Tournaments Overview

The Australian Football League (AFL) pre-season tournaments have long served as an essential preparatory phase, evolving significantly since the 1990s to balance player fitness, rule experimentation, and fan engagement. In the early 1990s, the Foster's Cup (1990–1994) marked a competitive format with multiple rounds culminating in a , providing clubs an opportunity to build match fitness while drawing crowds through high-stakes exhibition play. This was followed by the Cup (1995–2001), Wizard Home Loans Cup (2002–2005), and NAB Cup (2006–2013), which incorporated innovative rules such as super goals and power plays to test potential changes for the main season, while emphasizing player conditioning and early-season excitement for supporters. By the mid-2010s, the NAB Challenge (2014–2016) transitioned to a less formal structure, focusing on intra-club and inter-club practice to integrate and refine tactics without the pressure of a premiership. The JLT Community Series (2017–2019) further refined this approach by prioritizing community outreach and regional fan access, with matches hosted in non-metropolitan venues like Strathalbyn and to foster grassroots connections and boost attendance among local supporters. These events underscored the pre-season's role in player development, allowing teams to evaluate emerging talent and experiment with strategies in a low-stakes environment. During and , AFLX was integrated as a short-form variant to inject novelty into the schedule, partially supplanting traditional matches to attract broader audiences through faster-paced, innovative gameplay. Following the AFLX trial's conclusion in 2019, the pre-season reverted to conventional practice formats, with the Marsh Community Series in 2020 adapted amid pandemic constraints, the AAMI Community Series in 2021 and 2022 emphasizing state-based fixtures to minimize travel while aligning schedules with the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition, a single round of official practice matches in 2023 without a sponsored name, and a return to the AAMI Community Series in 2024 and 2025 with standard practice match structures. Over the decades, these tournaments have consistently acted as a proving ground for rule adjustments, rookie debuts, and fitness regimes, adapting formats from structured cups to flexible series to meet the league's growing demands for preparation and entertainment.

Other AFL Variations and Formats

AFL 9s is a nine-a-side variant of designed for community participation and international accessibility, featuring non-contact play where tackles are replaced by touches to emphasize skill and speed over physical confrontation. Played on rectangular fields such as soccer or rugby pitches, matches consist of two 20-minute halves with teams of nine players (three forwards, three midfielders, and three defenders), allowing the game to fit into busy schedules with no mandatory training or full-day commitments. Following the discontinuation of AFLX in 2019, elements of its fast-paced, rectangular-field format were integrated into AFL 9s, particularly for junior and youth competitions under the AFLX branding for ages 8-14, promoting broader adoption in social and developmental settings. The (AFLW) competition and its pre-season elements, such as practice matches formerly associated with the NAB Challenge structure, utilize standard Australian rules with modifications for shorter duration and player welfare, played on full-sized oval fields. AFLW games feature 16 players per side (compared to 18 in the men's AFL), quarters of 17 minutes plus time-on, and a size 4 ball, with rules like a 5-6-5 center bounce configuration and limited interchanges (up to 60 rotations) to maintain intensity while reducing injury risk. Pre-season AFLW matches follow a similar format to the regular season but serve primarily as preparation, without the experimental rule trials common in men's pre-seasons, focusing on team cohesion on traditional ovals rather than altered fields. International variants of Australian rules football include the hybrid International Rules series, which was formerly contested biennially between and until 2017, blending AFL and elements to facilitate cross-cultural competition, with ongoing discussions for revival as of 2025. This format uses 15 players per team on a 145m x 90m -like field, with four 18-minute quarters, solo runs from Gaelic (allowing a bounce every 10 meters without handballing), and AFL-style kicking and marking, but incorporates over-the-shoulder handpasses and a rectangular scoring system (3 points for over, 1 for under). For export purposes, tweaks inspired by gridiron, such as adapting to rectangular fields, are evident in AFL 9s, enabling play on American football pitches to support global growth without requiring infrastructure. In contrast to AFLX's emphasis on rectangular soccer fields with power plays and seven-a-side action for high-scoring entertainment, these variants prioritize oval adaptations or hybrid rules for community integration (AFL 9s), gender-specific preparation (AFLW), or intercultural rivalry (International Rules), highlighting diverse purposes from social accessibility to elite representative play.

References

  1. https://www.afl.com.au/news/133377/refresh-yourself-with-aflx-teams-rules-and-innovations
  2. https://www.afl.com.au/news/399/aflx
  3. https://www.afl.com.au/news/134947/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aflx
  4. https://www.afl.com.au/news/142684/aflx-revealed-who-your-club-plays-and-when
  5. https://www.afl.com.au/news/140587/aflx-silver-balls-zooper-goals-hong-kong
  6. https://www.afl.com.au/news/121758/silver-balls-get-the-boot-for-rest-of-aflx
  7. https://www.afl.com.au/news/87361/crows-trump-cats-to-make-aflx-history
  8. https://www.afl.com.au/news/80629/x-off-the-map-afl-to-remove-aflx-from-pre-season-fixture
  9. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-15/aflx-the-latest-foray-into-fast-paced-sport/9405956
  10. https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/aflx-the-business-strategy-behind-the-spectacle-20180209-h0vud5
  11. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2019/12/05/b06c0343-543e-408d-945e-89ce08d8d294/AFL_Annual_Report_2017-min.pdf
  12. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/aflx-players-from-vfl-teams-port-melbourne-and-coburg-face-off-in-trial-of-afl-concept-game/news-story/f6e09618f7ffe5f3cec94440069efcf3
  13. https://www.espn.co.uk/afl/story/_/id/19701154/afl-t20-cricket-works
  14. https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/launch-of-aflx-a-potential-shake-up-for-rugby-7s/9456122
  15. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-06/aflx-launched-by-afl-to-attract-new-supporters/9400956
  16. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/21047689/afl-add-aflx-pre-season-next-year
  17. https://www.afl.com.au/news/146890/aflx-set-to-be-a-part-of-2018-pre-season
  18. https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/76116/aflx-what-you-need-to-know
  19. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/what-is-aflx-20190214-p50xtx.html
  20. https://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/3073/aflx-rules-explained
  21. https://www.topendsports.com/sport/list/football-aflx.htm
  22. https://www.austadiums.com/sport/event.php?eventid=22112
  23. https://www.fremantlefc.com.au/news/10742/aflx-the-rules-and-how-to-watch
  24. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/aflx-2019-rules-revealed-10point-supergoals-short-shot-clock-to-be-included-in-newlook-competition/news-story/692da491a1d74c8d92537d621400ac74
  25. https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-02-04/aflx-game-changer-get-ready-for-20point-supergoals
  26. https://www.afc.com.au/news/277992/aflx-faqs
  27. https://www.afl.com.au/news/119496/aflx-game-changer-get-ready-for-20-point-supergoals
  28. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-secretly-trials-new-version-of-football-20160907-gral7s.html
  29. https://www.sportspro.com/finance-investment/investment/afl-launches-new-short-form-aflx-competition/
  30. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/radical-new-concept-aflx-set-to-be-launched-on-prefinals-bye-weekend/news-story/b5e9e355fe67cb24dc0cf9e4320c07a0
  31. https://www.saints.com.au/news/302110/shortened-jlt-could-showcase-aflx
  32. https://www.afl.com.au/news/116602/dees-edge-hawks-to-win-aflx-melbourne
  33. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/22472950/brisbane-lions-beat-sydney-swans-aflx-grand-final
  34. https://www.espn.com/afl/story/_/id/22477752/the-afl-says-aflx-here-stay-flagging-field-changes
  35. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/aflx-2019-live-full-coverage-of-tournament-as-footys-biggest-stars-team-up-and-face-off/news-story/87a2296137b232ae67fd7344afa48fe7
  36. https://www.afl.com.au/news/131321/riewoldts-rampage-lives-up-to-its-name-in-aflx-win
  37. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/australian-rules-football/news/aflx-2019-fixtures-schedule-date-venue-tickets-team-lists-how-to-watch/gy7hfgod2rpr1hu1s80s2vvr3
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/aug/06/aflx-ditched-after-two-season-trial-to-provide-clear-air-for-aflw
  39. https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/aflx-tournament-dumped-from-footy-pre-season-c-385706
  40. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-19/was-the-afls-new-experimental-format-aflx-a-success/9460896
  41. https://footyology.com.au/aflx-doesnt-mark-the-spot-with-footballs-priorities/
  42. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-16/aflx-not-an-exciting-new-format-of-a-beloved-sport-richard-hinds/9452570
  43. https://www.sen.com.au/news/2017/10/27/it-doesn%27t-seem-to-resemble-afl
  44. https://thewest.com.au/sport/mark-duffield/why-the-coaches-are-nervous-about-aflx-ng-b881097455z
  45. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/aflx-debut-hailed-by-coaches-and-players/16x46b7dc
  46. https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/22477752/the-afl-says-aflx-here-stay-flagging-field-changes
  47. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2020/03/18/925fd047-a9b6-4f7d-8046-138a56ba36f4/2019-AFL-Annual-Report.pdf
  48. https://footyology.com.au/aflx-what-game-are-they-really-playing/
  49. https://www.austadiums.com/sport/event/22388
  50. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/afl/the-pros-and-cons-of-aflx-was-it-any-good-20180216-p4z0ka.html
  51. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-07/aflx-canned-as-afl-focuses-on-womens-footy/11390080
  52. https://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/1215482/aflx-and-afl-9s-footy-for-everyone
  53. https://www.aflgm.com.au/schools
  54. https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2021/03/10/766129c9-3bc6-446d-ab53-2614ffd88a00/2020-Annual-Report.pdf
  55. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/wildcards-golden-tickets-and-draft-picks-why-the-afl-wants-a-mid-season-comp-and-how-it-could-work-20250731-p5mjcf.html
  56. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2025-jason-dunstall-sceptical-of-inseason-tournament-idea-what-is-it-prize-money-afl-360-comments/news-story/c5c1b67f7c2c652bc3c7cfe06645e802
  57. https://www.afl.com.au/news/877963/the-best-and-worst-of-the-old-pre-season-cup
  58. https://www.zerohanger.com/a-history-of-the-afl-pre-season-36397/
  59. https://www.afl.com.au/news/141104/community-connection-key-to-jlt-country-clashes
  60. https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2019-aflx-scrapped-from-preseason-schedule-for-2020/news-story/5a597161e9a116343d51f27df7b4a70c
  61. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-considers-changes-to-preseason-competition-amid-border-drama/news-story/731a20c653cc40d2a5195750b91041a0
  62. https://www.afl.com.au/news/693243/2022-aami-community-series-fixture-release
  63. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/afl/news/afl-pre-season-fixtures-2023-practice-matches/ho0j4lit9n4fnujubquam1jy
  64. https://www.afl.com.au/news/1071842/pre-season-fixture-check-out-who-your-club-is-playing
  65. https://play.afl/play/afl-nines
  66. https://www.aflinternational.com/footy9s/
  67. https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/about-aflw/rules
  68. https://www.afl.com.au/news/115296/how-the-nab-challenge-will-work
  69. https://www.afl.com.au/international-rules
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.