AFL using AI to generate fixture as unpopular round could return
Updated . First published
Josh Bowler, the man in charge of creating the fixture for the AFL, has refused to rule out the controversial Opening Round returning in 2027.
The idea to soft launch the new season with Opening Round has been heavily criticised by the AFL community, with many frustrated by the uneven start and byes created.
Josh Bowler speaks to 9News about the formation of the AFL calendar. 9News
Played in NSW and Queensland, the reduced fixture aimed to attract greater appeal from the northern states that are typically drawn to the NRL.
While also attempting to avoid an overlap with the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, Bowler has utilised artificial intelligence to help form the annual calendar.
While it takes over 400 prompts to ensure that AI has been applied correctly when forming the calendar, there are new complications that have arisen for next year.
“It essentially runs many, many different versions of the fixture. We put about 400 rules into it from 11 home games to maximum five-day breaks,” Bowler said on the use of AI.
One of those complications is the availability to key stadiums across the country, with the likes of the Australian cricket team, international rugby and NRL all coming into account.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground will be unavailable to the AFL if they were to decide on a mid-March season launch due to the 150th anniversary of Test cricket.
If the AFL were to push the season back further, it means the finals series may lose some key venues due to the overlap with the Rugby World Cup in October.
Still, the league is refusing to axe the Opening Round fixture just yet.
“It depends on where we land on a starting date,” Bowler told 9News when asked about the future of the controversial fixture.
Bowler will also have the inclusion of a 19th team to add to the complexity of his task from 2028. He also revealed that a mid-season tournament is potentially on the cards.
“It is harder than ever to win a premiership in the AFL,” Bowler explained.
“A secondary prize is something that clubs could be incentivised by.
“There is also the idea of how you might change the game or optimise the format of the match, which a tournament can provide.”
