With the inaugural AFLX tournament just over two weeks away, the Brisbane Lions’ Coaching Staff have a big task on their hands deciding the makeup of the team for the fast and furious tournament.
Here are five players we think, if they are selected, could make a big impact at the Sydney leg of the tournament when the Lions take on the Giants and Tigers on February 17 at Allianz Stadium.
Dayne Zorko
Put Zorko into any variation of AFL, or any sport for that matter, and he would excel, as he proved in the International Rules Series against Ireland last year when he was one of Australia’s best in the two-match series.
Zorko’s zip, contested ball skills and goalkicking ability on the run would perfectly suit the rapid format, but the risk of injury to a player of his calibre might see him held back from taking the field in Sydney.
Cedric Cox
Cedric Cox’s silky skills and quick acceleration would suit the soccer-sized field AFLX is played on.
Cox also applies plenty of pressure in defence and is a great tackler, perfect attributes for the seven-a-side format. After making his AFL debut in Round 4 last year, Cox went on to play eight Senior matches but was unable to hold down a consistent spot in the side.
A strong performance in AFLX would be a great springboard for Cox to prove his worth to the coaching staff ahead of Round 1.
Jacob Allison
Just like Cox, Jacob Allison is another player that could use his sheer speed to break AFLX games open.
Allison won the 20-metre sprint at the 2016 AFL Draft combine in a time of 2.87 seconds.
After playing in the last five Senior matches of the season last year, AFLX could be a great opportunity for Allison to cement his spot in the Senior side ahead of Round 1.
Daniel Rich
With the length of the AFLX field just 100 metres, renowned super boot Daniel Rich could be a game-breaker for the Lions.
Goals from outside 40 metres in AFLX are worth 10 points, a tantalising prospect for Rich who regularly bangs them in from 60 metres out with ease.
Rich’s kick-ins could also be lethal for the Lions and his experience would be valuable for the younger players that will surely get a shot at AFLX.
Cam Rayner
Rayner is a natural competitor and would relish the opportunity to rip into action as soon as possible.
The No. 1 draft pick has impressed during match simulation sessions so far over pre-season and looks comfortable and confident amongst his more experienced teammates.
The intense nature of AFLX games would also be a boost to Rayner’s endurance that would only be beneficial ahead of the season.
The Lions team for AFLX is expected to be announced soon. Stay tuned!
What is AFLX?
- Played on a soccer-sized field
- Played between two sides of seven, three on each interchange bench
- Ten-minute quarters. Two-minute half time and five-minutes in between matches.
- No centre bounces (kick-ins from full-back after each goal)
- One umpire
