AFLX Fixture Scrapped From Pre-Season Calendar To Focus On Women’s Game

The AFL’s attempt to introduce the innovative AFLX fixture into the pre-season calendar has been poorly received by fans and clubs, with the code to scrap the model after two seasons and focus on providing better support for the women’s game.

After trialling the rectangular stadium version of the game as a way to expand into new markets, particularly overseas, the AFL’s decision to remove it from 2020 was due to a commitment to allow greater focus on the fourth season of AFLW, which will see four new clubs introduced.

AFL general manager football operations, Steve Hocking, told a meeting of club chief executives his department was analysing all aspects of pre-season fixturing.

“There are four new clubs entering the AFLW competition for 2020, and the AFL’s on-field priority next year is to ensure the right emphasis and resources are in place to ensure the women’s competition continues to build on the success of the first three seasons,” he said.

“In addition, the AFL is assessing the full pre-season program for clubs and ways we can ensure the players and clubs are in the best condition in the lead-up to the premiership season.

“This was a constant message in our recent mid-season reviews with the clubs.”

The AFL is considering a range of options for the off-season including a longer break while the game last year also enforced a three-week shutdown period at clubs over Christmas.

The clubs were informed that crowd numbers were tracking better than last season’s all-time best figures, and TV viewers and participation were also historically strong.

Hocking has previously indicated that it would be unlikely for any significant rule changes in 2020.