The success of the AFL's ball-tracking technology in the VFL and VFLW has the league considering its implementation in the upcoming AFLW season, with an eye on the men's competition in the near future.
Earlier this year, technology was placed in specifically designed Sherrins to assist in tracking the ball, with clubs using the enhanced footballs in the pre-season.
Now, with data showing positive results from the state league competition, NewsCorp reported that the technology is on its seventh version, which provides instantaneous feedback about whether the ball has been touched, hit the post or past the goal line.
This is how the new ball tracking would look. Instant results. Live tracking w. a microchip. Could come in for the AFLW, which doesn’t currently have video review. Trials going spectacularly well. (It can’t turn Rankine back into a Sun). The latest here 👇 https://t.co/lqUFGx6wfR pic.twitter.com/X2n2FH6REm
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) July 2, 2024
The technology can also measure the speed, trajectory and distance of a kick but will mainly be used to assist in contentious goal-review decisions.
Given the success of the trials, the AFLW competition is next on the hit list for the use of the Sherrins, which could potentially be brought in as early as August.
As it stands, the AFLW does not use a video review system due to the operation of local and second-tier grounds that lack the systems and software the ARC has but presents as a perfect initiation to the men's competition.
If so, clubs, players and fans could see the technology brought in in 2025, according to Jon Ralph.
Ralph reported that AFL spokesperson Jay Allen was buoyed by the trials but won't be rushed into the AFL.
"The league developed and tested its smart ball in conjunction with Sherrin, tech company Sportable, Victoria University and graphics partner Intaneous," says Ralph.
