It may not have a massive influence but this AFLX rubbish couldn’t have come at a worse time for us.
It’s widely acknowledged that almost all of the tactical parts of the game are practiced in the offseason because once the real stuff starts it’s mostly about recovery.
It may have little impact but I would prefer all the training sessions to be about defensive pressure and contested situations rather than this AFLX crap.
Green excited for AFLX
Conor Walsh February 15, 2018 2:57 PM
BTV: Josh Green Media Conference - Feb 15 Essendon forward Josh Green spoke to the media.
Essendon small forward Josh Green says he hopes AFLX can become a “really big” thing ahead of the side’s first matches in the inaugural tournament on Friday night.
Green admitted that the tournament is an important step for the AFL and said he is a fan of the league’s new code.
“I think with the other codes going with the shorter versions I think the AFL had to bring something in like this,” Green said after training on Thursday.
“Hopefully it can bring more fans into the game, because everyone enjoys a quick game, excitement, more scoring, so hopefully it takes off and becomes something really big.”
Green has been named in Essendon’s inaugural AFLX squad and said the team is excited to put their training into practice.
“We’ve been practicing for probably a month now at the back end of training,” he said.
“We’ve got a pretty young squad, but we’re really excited and the energy was high.”
The speedy forward said he has overcome the foot injury he suffered at the end of the 2017 season and has enjoyed being able to take part in the majority of the pre-season.
“I’ve done most of the sessions and (I’m) feeling really fit, so I’m looking forward to actually playing against some real opposition tomorrow night and hopefully we can come away with the chocolates.
“I had a few injuries last year with an interrupted pre-season, so hopefully it allows me to have a full year and get back to that form that I know I can play.”
Green also threw his support behind teammate Aaron Francis who has taken personal leave from the club for mental health reasons.
“His health is the number one priority and the club is right behind him and he can take as much time as he needs,” Green said.
“There are a lot of pressures in the AFL and the great thing about a footy club is we look after each other and we’re doing that with Aaron.
“All of the boys are checking in with him and I think a footy club is a great place to be if you are dealing with a few issues.”