How did your team fare in the inaugural AFLX competition?
With goal posts lighting up, live commentary at the games, “Zooper” goals, DJs, (temporary) silver balls and a whole lot more, the introduction of AFLX was a lot to process for football fans around the country.
As the public attempted to wrap their heads around a number of new and complicated rules, all 18 AFL sides went out and competed in a confused yet determined fashion with some sides taking the new concept more seriously than others.
So with our first look at men's football for 2018 behind us, what can we take out of each team as they embark on the JLT community series and the 2018 AFL Premiership season?
Night One : Thursday 15th February, Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
AFLX kicked off at South Australia’s home of soccer, as Adelaide, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong, Port Adelaide and West Coast showcased Football’s newest format.
11,000 people flooded through the gates at Hindmarsh to witness the historic first night of AFLX and they were not disappointed, with all six sides playing hard and putting on a show for the fans.
The Adelaide Crows would take out the first of three AFLX competitions for 2018, defeating a strong Geelong side in the Grand Final by eight points.
ADELAIDE
Game One: Adelaide 2.7.3 (65) def Collingwood 1.3.9 (37)
Game Two: Adelaide 3.3.5 (53) def West Coast 0.7.4 (46)
Grand Final: Adelaide 3.3.7 (55) def Geelong 2.4.3 (47)
It was a successful beginning to AFLX for the Crows, who went undefeated in all three of their games to take out the Adelaide competition.
Only sporting two players from their Grand Final defeat last season (Jake Kelly and Andy Otten), Crows fans were shown a number of fresh faces eager to step up and play senior football in 2018.
Throughout all three games the standouts for Adelaide were midfield duo Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Curtly Hampton, who after long-term injuries were able to bring much needed pace and class to the Adelaide line-up.
Alex Keath and Jake Kelly showed signs of backing up their breakthrough 2017 seasons with solid 2018 campaigns - their ability to read the ball and surprisingly hit the scoreboard crucial to the success of their side.
Harry Dear showed excellent signs in the Grand Final slotting two key goals, while the likes of Jordan Gallucci and Patrick Wilson stood out as players to watch throughout season.
Rating: 8.5/10
Although they took out the competition, the Crows were not at their absolute best throughout the night, having suffered a big scare from a young West Coast team in game two.
COLLINGWOOD
Game One: Adelaide 2.7.3 (65) def Collingwood 1.3.9 (37)
Game Two: Collingwood 3.3.4 (52) def West Coast 0.5.7 (37)
A mixed night for Collingwood, who claimed one win from their two matches with a relatively strong side on the park.
Led by the experience of Steele Sidebottom, there was a lot of positives Collingwood fans can take out of AFLX, with 2017 first round draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson the highlight; the number six selection having several great moments throughout the night.
James Aish was excellent in game one for the Magpies with 10 disposals, two goals and three score assists as he looks to cement himself in the Collingwood line-up in 2018.
In game two, Josh Thomas was the hero with a best on ground performance of 11 disposals and three goals.
Brayden Maynard and Steele Sidebottom were characteristically strong throughout both matches, while Category B Rookie Josh Madgen showed glimpses in his debut match in game two.
Rating: 6/10
A number of pleasing outcomes from the night for Nathan Buckley, however with the experience of the side selected, the Magpies under-performed.
FREMANTLE
Game One: Geelong 4.2.5 (57) def Fremantle 3.1.4 (40)
Game Two: Fremantle 1.6.8 (54) def Port Adelaide 2.2.5 (37)
It was a definite tale of two halves (or games) for the Dockers on Thursday night.
The young side in game one performed admirably against a far stronger Geelong outfit, while the more experienced game two side produced a comprehensive win over Port Adelaide.
With two completely different teams for each game, it's hard to determine which Dockers players were the highlights of their AFLX campaign.
2017 draftees Stefan Giro and Mitch Crowden were excellent in game one upon their return to their home state, with Giro in particular exciting Dockers fans after the young speedster gathered 13 disposals and two goals in a dominant display.
Game two saw a more experienced Fremantle side enter the arena, and excitement machines Bradley Hill (three goals) and Michael Walters were pivotal in their comprehensive win over the Power.
Number two draft pick Andrew Brayshaw was also excellent in game two, showing promise with seven disposals and a “Zooper” goal over the 20 minutes of game time.
Rating: 7.5/10
Despite only winning one of their two games, it was a successful night for Fremantle with excellent signs from their young players in game one, and reliability and class from their top end in game two.
GEELONG
Game One: Geelong 3.6.6 (72) def Port Adelaide 5.1.4 (60)
Game Two: Geelong 4.2.5 (57) def Fremantle 3.1.4 (40) Grand Final: Adelaide 3.3.7 (55) def Geelong 2.4.3 (47)
Geelong would be very pleased with their efforts at AFLX, producing two wins out of three matches to claim runners-up honours.
With a relatively experienced side selected, a lot what was expected of the Cats at Hindmarsh Stadium as Chris Scott looked to get match practice into some of his most important players.
With a high-scoring win against Port Adelaide and a grind-out win against Fremantle, there were a number of highlights for the Cats with a number of players jumping out as prospects to watch closely this season.
Mature age recruit and last year’s Sandover Medal runner up Tim Kelly showed he could fit in at AFL level, showing class and skill throughout the Cats campaign.
Mark Blicavs proved he was made for the AFLX concept, with the former Steeplechaser having an electric night, going on a number of runs and converting goals from long range.
The star of the night for Geelong was without a doubt Mitch Duncan, who used his class and experience to pick up possessions at will and kick crucial scores for his team.
Rating: 8/10
A very good night for Geelong which would have been a great one if they had taken out the title, however, they got all that they came for from the AFLX experience and looked primed and ready to tackle the start of the season.
PORT ADELAIDE
Game One: Geelong 3.6.6 (72) def Port Adelaide 5.1.4 (60)
Game Two: Fremantle 1.6.8 (54) def Port Adelaide 2.2.5 (37)
It was a relatively poor night for Port Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Due to the late exclusions of Robbie Gray, Jasper Pittard, Tom Clurey and Trent McKenzie, a young and generally inexperienced Port side lost both of their encounters.
Despite the disappointing results, there were still a number of positives Ken Hinkley can take out of the night with a number of his young players and recruits showing signs of promise.
The star of the night for Port Adelaide was without a doubt Riley Bonner who used his pace and good skills to set up his team from defence as well as hit the scoreboard.
Recruit Dom Barry was excellent for Port - a few years out of the AFL system has allowed him to quickly adapt to the tempo of AFLX.
Along with Barry, Jack Watts also showed good signs in his first outing for the Power as he almost single-handedly won his side the first game against Geelong with two “Zooper” goals in the second half.
Sam Gray was also impressive for Port Adelaide as he looks to build on the solid start to his AFL career in 2018.
Rating: 4.5/10
A poor night overall for Port Adelaide as they were simply beaten by two better sides.
WEST COAST
Game One: Adelaide 3.3.5 (53) def West Coast 0.7.4 (46)
Game Two: Collingwood 3.3.4 (52) def West Coast 0.5.7 (37)
West Coast brought a very young squad into the debut of AFLX with captain Liam Duggan the only established AFL level player selected by Adam Simpson.
Despite the youth of their squad, the young Eagles performed gallantly with a number of head turning performances from their younger players.
Pick 38 in the 2017 national draft, Jack Petruccelle was a standout performer for the Eagles with his speed and ability to finish something extremely promising for the fans.
Willie Rioli also showed glimpses of his untapped potential, slotting some classy goals and showing flair in the forward half.
Brother of Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, Hamish, was excellent with nine disposals and four inside 40s in game two against Collingwood.
Brayden Ainsworth was also excellent for West Coast finding plenty of the footy, while young South Australian Matthew Allen had some good moments in game two.
Rating: 6/10
Although the Eagles did not win a game they performed admirably in both games with their young players showing plenty of promise.
Night Two: Friday 16th February, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
AFLX was back for night two with Etihad Stadium playing host to Carlton, Essendon, Hawthorn, Melbourne, North Melbourne and St Kilda.
In a night of fierce competition, it would be an experienced Melbourne outfit who took out the second AFLX title, outlasting Hawthorn in the Grand Final by ten points.
CARLTON
Game One: Melbourne 7.1.6 (86) def Carlton 2.5.4 (54)
Game Two: North Melbourne 5.4.9 (83) def Carlton 5.2.6 (68)
It wasn’t a great night for the Blues results wise losing both of their pool games, however a number of young players took great steps in their quest for round one selection.
Brendan Bolton took a young Carlton squad into their first taste of AFLX action with a number of their high draft picks on display.
Number three pick Paddy Dow in particular showed plenty of promise for the Blues, hitting the scoreboard and cutting off opposition play with his excellent football smarts.
Second-year player Zac Fisher and the flashy Jarrod Pickett excited Blues fans throughout the night with his pace and skills suited to the new format.
GWS recruit Matthew Kennedy was also extremely solid in his first outing for the Blues with 18 disposals over the two games.
First round draft pick Lochie O’Brien was only kept to one game and did not look out of place.
Rating: 5/10
Beaten comprehensively in both matches, the Blues would have liked to perform better, but they did get some valuable experience into their youth.
ESSENDON
Game One: Hawthorn 3.6.7 (73) def Essendon 3.3.6 (54)
Game Two: St Kilda 2.5.2 (52) def Essendon 2.2.5 (37)
A disappointing night for the Bombers as despite selecting a strong squad, they ultimately lost both pool matches.
AFL journeyman Shaun McKernan kicked off his AFLX career beautifully with competition highs in disposals (16) and marks (10) in dominant display against St Kilda in game two.
Captain David Zaharakis provided an experienced head for Bombers and was excellent through the middle of the ground.
Gold Coast recruit Adam Saad got his first taste of Essendon colours and showed promising signs off half-back with his speed and agility along with Andy McGrath who will look to build on a Rising Star season in 2017.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was at his usual exhilarating best, while Martin Gleeson and Patrick Ambrose were also solid.
Rating: 4/10
The biggest disappointment of the night, more was expected from this Essendon team.
HAWTHORN
Game One: Hawthorn 3.6.7 (73) def Essendon 3.3.6 (54)
Game Two: Hawthorn 4.5.7 (77) def St Kilda 2.5.5 (55)
Grand Final: Melbourne 3.3.8 (56) def Hawthorn 1.5.6 (46)
Although runners-up in the second night of AFLX, it was an excellent night for the Hawks whose mix of youth and experience came together beautifully.
James Sicily was the star of the night for the Hawks, who despite only playing one game was dominant in the new format kicking two goals (including one “Zooper”) and taking a number of contested marks.
Rising Star runner-up Ryan Burton continued to show his talent, using his athletic ability and excellent skills to have a huge impact on the match.
First year player James Worpel showed extremely promising signs for Hawthorn with the youngster not fazed by the big stage - traits which could make him a candidate for round one selection.
Reborn defender Jack Gunston was solid all night as he looks to build on his new role in 2018.
Rating: 8/10
While they didn’t win the tournament, Alastair Clarkson will take a lot of confidence out of his teams performance as they head into the JLT series.
MELBOURNE
Game One: Melbourne 7.1.6 (82) def Carlton 2.5.4 (54)
Game Two: Melbourne 1.9.6 (70) def North Melbourne 3.2.4 (46)
Grand Final: Melbourne 3.3.8 (56) def Hawthorn 1.5.6 (46)
Melbourne claimed the second AFLX title on night two at Etihad Stadium with a squad full of up-and-coming stars.
Headlined by Christian Petracca, Melbourne looked superb all night as a number of their fringe players stood up to have big impacts.
Jake Melksham was the star of the night for the red and blue, booting six goals across the three matches, lighting up the Etihad Stadium crowd with five “Zoopers”.
Christian Petracca was excellent as well for the Demons, his attacking style of play very much suited to the AFLX.
Promising tall Tom McDonald was also good for Melbourne all night serving as a dangerous target up forward.
James Harmes served as a live-wire up forward for the Demons, while Alex Neal-Bullen was excellent in finding space and picking up disposals.
Rating: 9.5/10
It was an all round excellent night for the Demons as the quest begins to remedy their 12 year finals drought.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Game One: North Melbourne 5.4.9 (83) def Carlton 5.2.6 (68)
Game Two: Melbourne 1.9.6 (70) def North Melbourne 3.2.4 (46)
It was a mixed night for North Melbourne on Friday as they produced stretches of both good and bad football throughout their two matches.
Brad Scott picked a promising squad for the AFLX as he looked to inject both experience and youth into the arena at different stages.
Midfielder Shaun Higgins proved that age isn’t slowing him down, as the classy Kangaroo was prominent throughout game one kicking two "Zooper" goals and racking up 12 possessions.
In need of a big 2018, Shaun Atley showed promising signs throughout the night, utilising his long kicking and speed.
Former Hawk Billy Hartung was North’s best in game two, gathering a team-high 13 possessions as he looks to take hold of his second chance in the AFL system.
Cameron Zurhaar also showed good signs as he looks to lock down a position in the Kangaroo’s best 22 this season.
Rating: 6/10
An average performance by North Melbourne after a promising start in game one, however Brad Scott will be pleased with the match practice a number of his best 22 players had.
ST KILDA
Game One: St Kilda 2.5.2 (52) def Essendon 2.2.5 (37)
Game Two: Hawthorn 4.5.7 (77) def St Kilda 2.5.5 (55)
Similar to North Melbourne, St Kilda had a solid night without being fantastic as after a definitive win against Essendon were outclassed by a sleeker Hawthorn outfit.
With prized first round draft picks Nick Coffield and Hunter Clark on the forefront of all St Kilda fans' minds, they were both given one game each to which they both showed glimpses but didn't give too much away.
Shane Savage was St Kilda’s best performer in game one with two ten-pointers and plenty of the footy.
Key forward Tim Membrey also showed signs of a big 2018 as he took some strong marks up forward and converted for three goals.
Jack Lonie was excellent in game two slotting a “Zooper” goal and finding lots of space, while the combination of Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres through the midfield would have had St Kilda fans smiling.
Rating: 6/10
The Saints looked very good in patches throughout the night but weren’t quite good enough to get through to the grand final. Fans will be happy that Coffield and Clark got through their first games in Saints colours unscathed.
Night Three: Saturday 17th February, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
The final instalment of AFLX for 2018 would see Brisbane, Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney, Richmond, Sydney and the Western Bulldogs battle it out in front of a smaller crowd at Allianz Stadium.
It would be the Lions that claimed the final AFLX trophy upsetting a rampant Sydney side in what looks to be signs of an up-and-coming team to watch out for in 2018.
BRISBANE
Game One: Brisbane 4.3.8 (66) def Richmond 4.3.3 (61)
Game Two: Brisbane 3.5.4 (64) def Giants 2.6.2 (58)
Grand Final: Brisbane 5.2.5 (67) def Sydney 2.3.3 (41)
One of the biggest wildcards of the 2018 season, the Lions have kicked off the new year in the best way possible with three consecutive wins to claim their inaugural AFLX crown.
Chris Fagan selected a relatively strong squad for the new concept with a mixture of youth and experience resulting in an excellent day at Allianz Stadium.
The experienced trio of Tom Bell, Mitch Robinson and Allen Christensen were the standouts for the Lions all afternoon, with all three having large impacts in all games.
Youngster Ben Keays was also very solid all day providing a much needed lift through the midfield, while Rhys Mathieson showed promise for the Lions with a solid pre-season and AFLX performance under his belt.
Rating: 9/10
It was an almost perfect day for Brisbane as their experienced side was able to grind out tough wins in the pool matches and come up with a comprehensive Grand Final victory.
GOLD COAST
Game One: Gold Coast 2.10.8 (88) def Western Bulldogs 0.3.4 (22)
Game Two: Sydney 2.8.4 (72) def Gold Coast 1.4.7 (41)
One win from two matches was not a bad result for the young Gold Coast team as new coach Stewart Dew began his career as a senior AFL coach.
The return of Sam Day was a definite highlight of the weekend, as the big man performed admirably at both ends of the field.
The likes of Brayden Fiorini, Jesse Joyce and Jack Bowes showed very good signs for Suns fans, while Touk Miller was also excellent through the middle of the ground, managing to find space to set up plays for his team.
New recruit Aaron Young was another huge positive, as he looks to thrive with more opportunity up on the Gold Coast.
Kade Kolodjashnij was the standout for the Suns, his ability to read the play and clever ball use was pivotal in setting his side up going into attack.
Rating: 6/10
It was a reasonable day for the Suns as despite having a 1-1 record we saw a lot of growth out of their younger players.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Game One: Richmond 3.2.7 (49) def Giants 2.2.2 (34)
Game Two: Brisbane 3.5.4 (64) def Giants 2.6.2 (58)
Two close losses would spell a day of missed opportunity for GWS as their relatively strong side under-performed.
Lachie Whitfield was by far the best player for the day, racking up 31 disposals over both games along with two “Zooper” goals and three six-pointers.
New drafter Aiden Bonar looked at home at AFL level having a large impact throughout both games and producing some exciting moments.
Second year player Will Setterfield was also excellent as he looks for more senior opportunities in 2018.
Adam Tomlinson comfortable in AFLX, producing some memorable plays at both ends of the field, while rookies Sam Reid and Daniel Lloyd were good impact players up forward all day.
Lachlan Keefe played his first game for the Giants after a long lay off and performed well as a key defender.
Rating: 4/10
A disappointing day for the Giants as they were unable to win with a reasonably strong squad.
RICHMOND
Game One: Richmond 3.2.7 (49) def Giants 2.2.2 (34)
Game Two: Brisbane 4.3.8 (66) def Richmond 4.3.3 (61)
Their first time returning to the field since their 2017 triumph, Richmond performed well with a young squad.
Filling their team with the pressure players that led them to the flag last year, their game style was very much suited to the new concept of AFLX.
Unsung heroes Dan Butler and Jason Castagna were excellent in both games; their pressure forcing crucial turnovers.
Forgotten Tiger Jayden Short was prominent all day, finding lots of the ball and having an impact on the scoreboard to be the standout performer for his team.
Sam Lloyd and Reece Conca would also use the AFLX to put their name forward for senior selection and were hungry to have a positive impact on the game.
Draftee Jack Higgins showed glimpses throughout the day which would have definitely pleased Tiger fans.
Rating: 6.5/10
Unlucky not to win both games, the young Richmond squad performed extremely well and showed the Tigers' depth will make them a force to be reckoned with again in 2018.
SYDNEY
Game One: Sydney 4.7.6 (88) def Western Bulldogs 1.4.2 (36)
Game Two: Sydney 2.8.4 (72) def Gold Coast 1.4.7 (41)
Grand Final: Brisbane 5.2.5 (67) def Sydney 2.3.3 (41)
The hot favourite going into the tournament, the Swans fell just short in the Grand Final after two dominant group stage performances.
Dane Rampe got the Swans off to an incredible start slotting three straight "Zooper" goals, with his experience and skills clearly a class above that of the young Western Bulldogs.
Young Harry Marsh also stood up well down back as the Swans generated a lot of their run out of the back half to good effect.
Nic Newman, Jordan Foote and Colin O’Riordan were prominent out of defence and collected plenty of the ball in setting up attacking movements for their team.
Sydney were able to use their fast outside players to good effect in all three games with Harry Cunningham consistent, while Dan Robinson and James Rose also collected a lot of the ball.
Swans fans were also introduced to young players James Bell, Angus Styles and Tom McCartin who all showed promise over the course of the day.
Rating: 7.5/10
A good day for the Swans, however they weren't able to get the job done in the Grand Final. Sydney got a lot of quality performances out of their depth players which would have pleased the coaching staff.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Game One: Sydney 4.7.6 (88) def Western Bulldogs 1.4.2 (36)
Game Two: Gold Coast 2.10.8 (88) def Western Bulldogs 0.3.4 (22)
Not much was expected from this Western Bulldogs team with Luke Beveridge selecting a squad which had just 65 combined games of experience.
With both of their games being comprehensive losses, there weren't a lot of positives as their players were simply outclassed by better opponents.
Established player Jack Redpath tried hard all day and competed well in the forward half as he looks to develop his game further in 2018.
Youngster Lewis Young was superb as an interceptor in the back half as he looks to build on a promising 2017.
Draftees Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards were also positives for the Bulldogs as they consistently impacted the game and showed they can push for senior selection in 2018.
Lukas Webb and Patrick Lipinksi were solid through the middle of the ground, often finding space and winning the ball for their team.
Rating: 3/10
You can’t really read much into the Bulldogs AFLX campaign as the squad they selected did not have much of a shot from the beginning. Yet they got some valuable game time into their youth which will definitely be important down the road.
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