The use of Technology in AFL
The world of sports is constantly evolving, with technology playing an increasingly significant role across various disciplines. In Australian Rules Football, the integration of technology is on the rise, promising to greatly influence the future of the sport.
football trainingGoal Line Technology
Did the ball cross the line? Soccer has been using goal-line technology for quite a while. Whether a ball has crossed over a goal line in both codes can have a great impact on the result of a game, and spectators expect that the right decisions are being made. With so many cameras following the ball in AFL games, when a goal umpire makes a mistake it is usually clear for all to see.
A video review system for goal umpires was trialled during the previous two NAB Cup competitions before being introduced at the start of the 2012 AFL season. The system provides an extra set of eyes with the score reviewer sitting in front of a television screen in the umpire's box, who can adjudicate if called upon in consultation with the relevant goal, boundary and field umpire.
A review can only be called by an umpire, not a player or coach as in some other sports. If the available vision still proves to be inconclusive, the decision will be referred back to the umpire on the field.
One criticism of such systems is that it slows down the game. During the trials for the AFL, they found it took on average 49 seconds for a decision following a referral, which is not much to wait for the correct decision to be made.
Smart Ball Technology
One of the most exciting recent advancements in AFL is the development of a smart ball. Equipped with embedded sensors, this smart ball could revolutionize the game by providing real-time data on ball trajectory, speed, and impact. Such technology could enhance decision-making for coaches and players, improve the accuracy of umpiring, and offer fans a more immersive viewing experience.
In 2024, after extensive testing, the smart-ball technology was introduced for the AFLW season. The technology will be used to provide score assist officials with alerts when the footy crossed the goal line, hits the post or is touched in flight.
Further use of the smart ball technology will be introduced over time, and has the potential to profoundly shape the future of AFL.
"AFL Edge" - Goal Post Technology
Not unlike cricket's 'Snickometer', the 'AFL Edge' system is a score review technology that can determine if the ball touches the goalpost. It was first used at AFL venues in 2019. The system uses a microphone embedded in the goalpost. The resultant audio feed is synchronized with video to help the score review official to adjudicate if the ball brushes the goalpost.
Other uses of Technology in Australian Football
Technology has been well-used in the area of fitness training and game analysis for many years. It is not uncommon for players to wear heart rate monitors in training and games to monitor their fitness and heart rate response to the game situation. The use of GPS is also widespread - players are wearing units that track their every move, which the coaching staff can later analyze.
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