This years NAB challenge will feature 18 games in 18 days – an exciting spectacle for any AFL fan, with a feast of games over the next two and a half weeks.
The NAB cup has lost some of its followers over the past few seasons, with most clubs opting to give their youngsters a chance to shine rather than put their best team on the field.
This means the game’s best players are only playing to warm themselves up, as they know they will not feature in every match.
This also creates a situation where the best teams do not always make the finals.
For example, in 2007 Carlton won the NAB cup. They entered the season full of excitement, only to finish second last on the AFL regular season ladder.
The Brisbane Lions won last year but finished the regular season way off the pace, having sacked head coach Michael Voss along the way.
The AFL has had to re-format things, and created a series of exiting warm up games, which are not for points.
The plan to play 18 games in 18 days is taking a leaf out of the Big Bash handbook – have a game on TV at prime time every night, so the fans stay interested.
The Big Bash was a huge success, as fans could tune in almost every night and watch one or two games of rock n roll cricket. Like the AFL, its over in three hours and is great for the kids.
This means there is actually something to watch. It also gives the AFL an opportunity to spread the sport.
In the NBA for example, they have a month of pre-season games. These games are sometimes played in Europe and even in Asia, where the NBA fans around the world can see the best players in the world play.
It also generally means overseas players can play in front of their home crowds. This tournament is not played as a competition, instead seen as a warm-up and opportunity for the NBA to market their brand.
So with the AFL trying out a new format, we should see some exciting games over the next few weeks.
What do the Roarers think of the new NAB Challenge?
Mavis Biliczka
Guest
How long is each quarter and the duration of the game?
Yank Paul
Guest
Since I can't watch the matches, it's all pre-season to me. Nice to have the games and have some kids get a chance to show off. What I would love would be for, let's say, six or eight AFL teams to play a series of games across the U.S. after the GF. Yes, exhibition games in Los Angeles or New York City are nice, but where footy is getting a real foothold, over here, is in the secondary cities (San Francisco, Detroit, Cleveland - well, Columbus, Ohio - and so on.). Having some of the best players in the code, even non-finalist sides, would really raise the excitement level, especially if the matches were heavily promoted.
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
I think at the end of the day, all the players just want to run around and blow out the cobwebs.
Stephen
Guest
For what it's worth - I like the concept. Can't wait. And it's refreshing to see the AFL not being too proud to acknowledge and mimic the success of another code. As long as they don't become too reactive.