Participant Observations 17/3/21 - AFL Stats Survey

So last night while browsing twitter, I came across a link to a survey from the AFL, asking for information about the quality of the stats they provide.

I'm not a huge user of AFL stats, but I'm a huge user of the AFL, so I participated in the survey, which took about 15 minutes to complete, and looked mostly into my usage info, such how often I use stats, what types of stats I look at, and on what platforms.

However, what was also interesting were the open ended questions, where they asked for ideas for stats related services. It was kind of hinted at in one of the questions, but here is what I wrote:

  

I'm taking this as a sign that the AFL is looking at how they might be able to monetise user generated content more effectively, and hopefully bringing the ability to link stats to video.

This is actually something one of the participants in my research predicted might happen back in 2017 - that rather than watching a whole game, customised highlights will be sent to your phone that are generated by either another user or an AI algorithm.

I think this opens up some really good ideas, but I also wonder about the possible negative consequences. Like, what if I compile a list of a players clangers, and then share them online and they become viral?

I'm sure there might be ways to get around this, like not coding those instances, but nonetheless, it still indicates to me that the AFL are looking seriously at user generated content, and how to get a piece of it.

Participant Observations 15/3/21 - 2021 Rule Changes

 So a couple of major rule changes this year that I will be watching with interest.

Firstly, the man on the mark rule that prevents the player standing the mark from moving laterally. While it looks a bit awkward, and I don't like the "stand" call by the umpire, I think this is a good move. It essentially takes the defender out of the game, giving a numerical advantage to the team with the ball. It opens up the kicking lanes around the defender, and it frees up other offensive players from having to block the defender on the mark if they wanted to.

It will take some time to adjust, and I think teams will work out how to move the ball quickly, but this is a good rule change.

Something I'm less in favour of is the reduction of interchange rotations to 75. This is designed to fatigue players and open up play, but I think it will increase the number of injuries in the game, and it will also encourage slow play, as teams will look to slow the game down and preserve their energy for the whole game.

I would actually be in favour of going the other way, and making the number of rotations unlimited. However, to prevent the game from turning into a rolling scrum, reduce the number of players on the field to 15, and enforce the holding the ball more. The 6-6-6 rule is fine, especially after goals, but there's no need to have the rule in place for other stoppages. Also throw the ball up quickly at ball-ups and get rid of the need to nominate ruckman. Keep the third-man up penalty however - teams will work out who is contesting the ruck themselves or give away a free kick.

Also, bring the umpire in 10 metres from the boundary on throw-ins, like the AFLW, to get the ball into the corridor.

Unfortunately, I think the man on the mark rule and the 75 rotation cap may actually cancel each other out, which is unfortunate.

Participant Observations 15/03/21 - AFL360

One of the best things about getting Kayo back on is that I now get to watch AFL 360 three nights a week. It's still the best AFL show on television, and I watch episodes on demand if I can't see the live.

My appreciation of Footy Classified grew last year in the absence of being able to watch Kayo, but it's just better in every respect.

There is some sadness that I missed the show last year, and it's the first year I've missed most of the show, but it was affected by COVID obviously.

It's a bit of a shame the show has been reduced to three nights a week, as it used to be four, except on weeks when there was a Thursday night game. Now it's three nights a week regardless of whether there is a Thursday night game or not.

But still the best footy show on TV.