Dream Team set for changes to suit AFL fixtureBy Adam McNicol
Thu 21 Oct, 2010THE INTRODUCTION of a bye into the AFL fixture, and its subsequent extension to 24 rounds, means a host of changes have been made to the Dream Team competition for 2011, although private leagues will again consist of 16 sides.
A group of designers, led by Peter Jankulovski, have been reshaping Dream Team, which next year celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Their biggest challenge has been making sure the fantasy competition remains fair in the five rounds when three AFL clubs have the bye.
To cope with this, the head-to-head matches in private leagues will begin in round one rather than round four, as has happened in the past.
This allows for head-to-head matches to be suspended when more than one AFL club has the weekend off.
Under the new system, private leagues will play 15 rounds, have five general byes, and play finals between rounds 21 and 24.
"But it is important to note that the overall competition will play out over the entire 24 rounds," Jankulovski told afl.com.au.
"Plus there might be a surprise or two."
Other confirmed innovations include an increase in squad sizes and the number of trades allowed.
"All sorts of options and feedback from fans have been considered, and the community has been incredibly vocal with some great suggestions," Jankulovski added.
"Some of the suggestions included more trades, different ways of trading, extended teams and varying line-ups and other special trading considerations."
KEY CHANGES TO DREAM TEAM FOR 2011- Squad sizes increased from 30 players to 33. This allows for an extra defender, midfielder and forward on the bench. The larger squad is designed to help cover for when players are unavailable due to their club having the bye.
- Given the salary cap will rise only in accordance with the real one under which the AFL clubs operate, player prices will be lowered overall to reflect the need to fit 33 players under the cap rather than 30.
- An additional four trades made available for the season (taking total trades to 24), with the limit of two per round to remain.
- Head-to-head matches start in round one and are suspended during the five rounds when three AFL clubs have a bye.
- Stronger link between social media and Dream Team. Coaches can look forward to direct Facebook and Twitter integration. They will also be able to interact with their social networks and friends directly from the competition.
- Player research and team management tools will be vastly improved.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/104325/default.aspx
