Pipe Dreams - The AFL In 2030 | Thebigtip

Earlier in the year, regular AFL Record readers may recall that there was a Short Story competition held which asked the reader to outline their vision of what the AFL would look like in 2022. Whilst a bit far fetched in suggesting that a fully-blown AFL World Cup (in the style of FIFA's own World Cup) would start in 2018, and even more so Japan becoming the first winners, some aspects of this 'World Cup' could yet be introduced to the AFL by 2030.

However, there are other key aspects which are involved with tradition that could be slightly changed by 2030. These rule changes, if they were made, promises to change the league in ways in which would be unexpected. So, let's go through some rules which could be changed.

#1 - An International Team?

Through the International Cup, the AFL is ever closer to the prospect of an international team, which could perhaps become the AFL's 20th team (let's also assume that Tasmania get a gig to become the AFL's 19th team). The obvious starting points would be New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, our closest neighbours to Australia, but don't be surprised if China and the USA were also mooted as possible international targets. The USA already hold their own AFL league, the USAFL, and is reasonably successful with over 1,000 players participating.

The AFL should take note of the New Zealand Warriors' success in the NRL (even if they haven't won a premiership to date) and begin to look at options regarding a New Zealand team. After all New Zealand would be the most likely option. Consider for a second AFL football at Eden Park between a New Zealand team and Collingwood with 60,000 people potentially watching the game. Sure, considerations such as the ITM Cup would have to be made later in the season, but it is highly possible that we could see an international team in the AFL by 2030.

#2 - Promotion And Relegation System?

A controversial subject that has already been raised by Michael Malthouse. Could yet solve the draft issues and tanking, but on the flip side of things witness the implosion of clubs such as Leeds United through relegation and the monetary problems that could be raised through decreased exposure on television. As well as that, who would be good enough to get promoted then stay up? Would Port Melbourne, for argument's sake, make it? Central Districts? Most would hang around the bottom.

Let's also make note of the draft. With promotion comes more money, as is the case in England. This would allow clubs to poach key players from other clubs, and the draft would most likely be heavily impacted for every other club each year. And this all comes before television exposure for what would be a second division. From the basis of these points if they were implemented, the promotion/relegation system would never work, but given the AFL's history of questionable decisions don't be surprised if it were trialled.

#3 - Fans Vote Decides The Brownlow?

This is a dream that MUST be realised. Though the umpires do a decent job of picking favorites, they do not pick up the tiny one-percenters that are not looked at often. The fans, through the help of commentators, are able to notice this. So, instead of the umpires determining the vote, why not allow fans to vote for the player they thought were the best? The player with the most fan votes earns three votes, second most two votes and third earns one vote. It could so easily be changed, and better yet, ruckmen, forwards and defenders would be better recognised for the effort they put in.

There is one drawback though - the tendency to pick 'favorites'. For example, a player such as Stephen Hill could have little impact (or some impact, but not as important as others) yet receive one vote due to favorites votes. However, for many who watch the game this should not be an issue when determining which player had the biggest impact on the ground. Make it happen immediately AFL.

#4 - And While We're On The Brownlow...

The rule needs to be changed. If you get suspended, you get suspended and you missed out. None of this complicated points system crap that determines the Brownlow. Whilst Sam Mitchell may not have been worried about it when he was looked at for his high hit on Steve Johnson in round 5, the fact is he nearly caused the AFL deep embarrassment by almost scoring the most votes. The rule which prevented Corey McKernan and Chris Grant winning the medal should be re-implemented. It could be so easily fixed. More likely to happen in 2012 or 2013 rather than 2030, but let's include this anyway.

#5 - A Salary Cap On The Football Department

Another rule that has to be looked at to prevent the insane amount of money that is now thrown at coaches. Ross Lyon, for instance. Is he really worth the money that was thrown at him by the Dockers? If he wins the premiership, yes. Fact is the football department is now far more important than the players and to cap it would even up the playing field a lot. Cap it at a couple of million dollars higher than the players, as there are more personnel involved.

#6 - Video Replay

It could yet be a safe bet that goalpost cam, implemented by Channel 10, will become a consistent feature sooner rather than later, but off the back of the controversial Sharrod Wellingham goal in the Grand Final, expect video replays to happen sooner as well. This is a constant feature in the NRL (remember, 80 minute game we are talking about), and in a 120 minute (should be shortened to 100 next year) game there should be no more than 2-3 a game consistently. It has to become a reality, after all the AFL should count themselves lucky that Geelong got away in the final quarter instead of a tight Collingwood victory.

There are so many more problems that could be suggested, and I might even write up a second part, but for now, these will be some of the key issues of the game in the future. Regardless, it's going to be an exciting ride ahead.