The Players’ Association pitched an AFL all-star game to the League last year, but the concept was knocked on the head, at least for 2013.
One idea is to have an East versus West clash similar to America’s NBA, while the pre-season has been suggested as a possible option for the game.
AFL 9s is a far stretch from top flight footy, but as 20 of the code’s biggest stars gathered at Sydney’s Skoda Stadium as part of the Cadbury SuperTeam promotion on Australia Day, attention turned to what might be.
“When you look around at the 20 guys that are here, it’d make a pretty decent side,” Hawks veteran Sam Mitchell told AFL.com.au.
“If you could get two of those together and play some sort of game, I think it’s something that people would like to see."
But Mitchell cautioned about the obvious potential perils of the concept.
“The risk of injury from a club point of view is always very serious,” he said.
Sydney Swans premiership co-captain Adam Goodes said an “all-stars game would be awesome.”
“I remember playing in the Vic game versus the All-Stars a few years ago and it was just nice to get around the other players that you play against, we all respect each other,” Goodes said.
“To play in a one-off game like that was quite rewarding.
“It would be nice going forward if we could fit it in somewhere in the schedule, but our schedules are pretty chock-a-block as it is and to fit it in would have to be well managed from the AFL and the Players’ Association.”
Pies midfielder Dale Thomas appeared keen on a return to a traditional state versus state encounter.
“I think there’s something there, but a lot would have to be done to figure out a time to do it and get it up to the seriousness of what the state of origin in other codes are,” Thomas said.
“Certainly if I was selected I think it’d be fantastic to play in an all-star game or represent Victoria.”
Swans premiership midfielder Kieren Jack’s father knows a thing or two about state of origin. Garry Jack played 17 games for New South Wales in the 1980s.
“I grew up in New South Wales, I grew up watching state of origin in rugby league. I’ve always aspired to represent that at some level,” Kieren told AFL.com.au.
“I’d love to be a part of it, I think the caliber of players we’ve got here today is quite extraordinary.
“Hopefully some day down the track we can get something worked out.
“There’s a lot of things you’ve got to consider. If I was fit and healthy and wasn’t carrying any niggling injuries I’d put my hand up to play, absolutely.”
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL
