We could be playing Carlton's "A" team or "B" side in the NAB Cup. Teams who have the middle game off may play different sides in the first and third games.
AFL's split-round challenge Jay Clark
Herald Sun
December 11, 2010 AFL clubs scheduled to play split games in the opening round of the revamped pre-season competition could field two different teams to combat the higher injury risk.
The 2011 NAB Cup features six pools of three teams, with each playing two games on the one night at the same venue.
Each game will consist of 20-minute halves.Six clubs face playing matches separated by a two-hour break.
The increased physical demands on players will almost certainly increase the risk of soft-tissue injury, especially for older players, one month before the regular season begins.
Rather than have to keep players active during the break, or allowing them to cool down entirely, clubs facing the extended break want to field a fresh side in the second game.
If permitted, clubs could use the maximum number of players - up to 48 - on their lists for the NAB Cup opener.
The teams scheduled to play split games are Geelong, Carlton, Essendon, Greater Western Sydney, Adelaide and West Coast.
Each will be helped by playing the opening round at its home ground, where recovery facilities will be on hand.
It is understood extra equipment such as exercise bikes will be sought.
The AFL Players' Association has vowed to take every precaution necessary to reduce players' exposure to injury in the competition.
"Following feedback from our members, we made submissions around aspects of the round-robin format," AFLPA spokesman Ben Hart said.
"These issues included expanding squads so that players were not forced to play in games one and three if that was going to unreasonably increase their chance of injury; and ensuring there are adequate medical and recovery resources for the players.
"We are now satisfied that the AFL has taken all these issues into account in setting up the new format.
"But as a matter of course we'll be seeking further feedback from our members following the pre-season competition and also keeping a close eye on injury rates."
It will be a challenge for Greater Western Sydney, expected to have only about 30 mostly inexperienced players from which to choose.
The AFL is said to be considering allowing clubs to name 30-man squads for the lightning premiership-style round from February 11-20.
The side that finishes on top of each of the six groups will move to round two, with the two next best teams - determined by win-loss and percentage - making up the finals pool.
After the opening week, the competition reverts to standard match conditions.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/split-round-challenge/story-e6frf9jf-1225969259785
