The AFLPA says the majority of players are in favour of a representative game and, because the game will be played on the same weekend that intraclub practice matches are already being played, no player involved will be exposed to additional risk because of their participation in the game.
Acting AFLPA CEO Ian Prendergast said it was important to note, however, that nothing had been finalised and discussions were continuing with the AFL as to how the game might work.
"We’re continuing to work on finalising the concept and to address some of the concerns raised by clubs," Prendergast said.
One concept being flagged is that two All-Star captains pick a team each, with a limit on the number of players picked from each club but with every player eligible to be selected.
Some clubs are concerned about the potential for star players to be injured on the eve of the season, while others are skeptical that players will actually want to play when the game comes around.
Fremantle – which is reportedly playing in the season opener a week after the scheduled rep game – is concerned about its best players having to undergo extra travel.
Fairfax Media reported Dockers president Steve Harris as describing the All-Star game as a sideshow that would ''distract momentum from the main game''.
The AFL raised the prospect of the game at a Grand Final meeting with CEOs and presidents, indicating that it would cap the number of players picked from each club and it would be able to ensure the players' minutes were monitored.
The League may also be prepared to make concessions to clubs with players who may be involved in the opening weekend of the season.
However the AFL has shown it was serious about making the concept work, having been understood to have raised the prospect of players being penalised if they made themselves unavailable for reasons other than a genuine injury.
Most hope such action would not be necessary with several stars publicly expressing their support for the game.
Prendergast remains confident that players want to be involved.
"We know they are on board, and excited, by the prospect of playing against the best players in the competition," Prendergast said.
The AFL is willing to back the concept after revamping the NAB Cup and pre-season matches. It is likely to play 18 games in 18 days under the new model for that competition with the NAB Cup Grand Final being replaced by the representative game.
The past two NAB Cup Grand Finals have averaged just over 26,000 people, having averaged 41,000 in the three seasons before that when two Victorian clubs were involved.
Both clubs and players were keen to revamp the series in order to improve the preparation of players. The players wanted two byes and the AFL wanted an earlier start to the season.
However, the concept of a representative game on the eve of the season alarmed some club chiefs and they asked the AFL at their Grand Final week meeting to poll club football departments to gauge the real level of support among the players.
"The concept will deliver something new and exciting that we think fans will really enjoy, especially once they understand the commitment from the players likely to be selected," Prendergast said.
