Etihad Stadium is the host for the second round of AFLX games when the Carlton Blues, Essendon Bombers, Hawthorn Hawks, Melbourne Demons, North Melbourne Kangaroos and St Kilda Saints fight for glory in this new competition. Join The Roar for all the action from 6:40pm (AEDT).
Younger players will be looking at this competition as an opportunity to showcase their talent ahead of the home-and-away season, but it also gives fans a chance to see what the future looks like for their club.
Carlton have got straight to business, selecting their first two choices at last year’s draft in Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien. The Blues have gone young right throughout, which should please the supporters as the rebuild continues.
Essendon fans will get a look at former Gold Coast Sun Adam Saad, while David Zaharakis and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will also feature.
Hawthorn will be led by Liam Shiels, while Jack Gunston will also be looking to add his leadership in what is quite a young group.
Charlie Spargo is the notable inclusion of Melbourne’s youngsters, and Christian Petracca will be looking to give the Dees that x-factor.
North Melbourne will be looking to unleash pick number four, Luke Davies-Uniacke, but a back injury may force him out. North look strong – best and fairest winner Shaun Higgins will feature, alongside veterans Jamie Macmillan, Jarrad Waite and Ben Cunnington. Former Hawk Billy Hartung will also feature, starting his quest to make his second chance count.
St Kilda have matched Carlton’s efforts by naming both their picks within the top ten, in Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield.
Prediction
The winner will be determined by who adapts to this, the newest form of the game. You can have all the talent in the world, but the players and coaches are very much in the developmental stage.
Most won’t pick North Melbourne, but their mix of veterans and youth makes them the strongest on paper.
Join The Roar from 6:40pm (AEDT) for the Melbourne-based AFLX tournament.
madeleine bolt
Guest
good luck to all 2018 draw
anon
Roar Pro
AFLX needs a heavier ball. So that players can only kick 40 metres rather than 55. If not that, then maybe make the goals narrower. If not that, then a similar scoring system to International Rules in order to encourage players to bring the ball up the entire length of the field. You actually want to discourage long bombs from outside 40 metres.
Steve009
Roar Rookie
So many positives in this games potential for growth, unfortunately it's uninteresting to watch. And for purist's it's simply not australian rules football and it alarmingly reflects what the people running Australian football's national competition idea of what they want it to be. Gill 'handed the job' McLaughlin came across as pathetic, listening to him in the commentary booth explain the many potential future possibilities on this waste of several million dollars. it highlighted how little He understands Australian Rules football, its current supporters, and it's place in the sporting world.
Bobbo7
Guest
Massive in China. This whole South Chine sea caper is all about securing AFLX grounds. Nothing more. Seriously though, if the AFL think this or normal footy will take off overseas it is deluded. Also a shame that AFLX will whittle away the interest in the women's game. They must be livid.
Kangajets
Guest
It’s popular in China
Kangajets
Guest
The jets v Wanderers was a cracker too
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
That's all from Etihad Stadium. Melbourne deservedly so take the plaudits here as they were the best team on the night. Jake Melksham the best player from all teams other the course of the night in my opinion, and was massive in the Dees coming out on top come the end. This form of the game clearly isn't for everybody, but I suppose we just need to give it a chance. Keep an eye out for The Roar's coverage of tomorrow's AFLX tournament. Thanks for joining me tonight!
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
GAME OVER! Melbourne have won the AFLX Melbourne-based tournament. Melbourne: 56 Hawthorn: 46
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
9' - Worpel misses to the left. Melbourne look home! Melbourne: 56 Hawthorn: 45
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
8' - Melksham just misses. Melbourne: 56 Hawthorn: 38
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
7' - Minor score for the Hawks. Melbourne: 55 Hawthorn: 37
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
6' - Bugg with a 10 pointer!!! Melbourne: 55 Hawthorn: 36
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
6' - Burton goals for the Hawks. Tightening up! Melbourne: 45 Hawthorn: 36
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
5' - Minor score for the Dees. Melbourne: 45 Hawthorn: 30
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
4' - Neal-Bullen goals for the Dees. Melbourne: 44 Hawthorn: 30
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
3' - Minor score for the Hawks. Melbourne: 38 Hawthorn: 30
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
1' - McDonald takes the mark and converts straight in front. Melbourne: 38 Hawthorn: 29
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
1' - Burton gets a 10 pointer for the Hawks. Melbourne: 32 Hawthorn: 29
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
1' - Second half underway and Bugg gets Melbourne a point. Melbourne: 32 Hawthorn: 19
Lachlan Ballingall
Roar Guru
One thing in Melbourne's favour is that they are fresher. Hawthorn played straight before the final, so that could play a big part.