'They have brought in NASA': AFL confirms trial for new ball-chip technology to begin in VFL
The AFL has confirmed it will begin trialling new "smart-ball" technology in the VFL and VFLW on Friday night.
Sherrins with a chip planted in them will eventually be used by the league, broadcasters and clubs to measure an array of stats and data.
The hope is these numbers will be available in real time.
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Friday night's games will serve as an experiment for the league, which will hone its focus on recording where the ball is at all stages of the game.
There will also be focus on kick and handball lengths, ball speed, spin rate and height.
The AFL will trial their new ball chip technology this weekend. Getty
Former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says the technology is well overdue.
"[The AFL has worked with] Pete Husemeyer ... an ex-NASA deep space nuclear physicist, well versed in solving complex problems with world-leading experts," McGuire said on Nine's Footy Classified on Wednesday night.
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"So there you go, they have brought in NASA to solve the problem. It's going along nicely."
Collingwood's VFL side will be the first to try out the new technology. via Getty Images
"It is rocket science," leading AFL journalist Damien Barrett added.
It's understood the ball chip technology could also be used in the next AFLW season as the league invests in the project.
The first trial starts on Friday night at RSEA Park for the VFL game between Collingwood and Sandringham and the VFLW match between the Pies and Southern Saints.
