Can you spot the bizarre detail in this seemingly run-of-the-mill photo of the AFL’s new footballs?
- New Sherrin footies are more than meets the eye
- Balls are being used in the AFLW this season
It may look like an average, nothing-to-see-here photo of some AFL footballs, but football fans who look closely will notice that these Sherrins are plugged into electric chargers.
The AFL has introduced new ball tracking technology for the 2024 AFLW season, meaning the state-of-the-art balls all contain computer chips.
The smart-ball technology, now in use at all AFLW venues, helps referees decide whether a ball has crossed the goal line, been touched in flight or hit a goal post.
The technology, which has been rigorously tested in VFL and VFLW matches, involves a chip being embedded into the ‘smart’ Sherrins – and these need to be charged in order to work.
Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas is very impressed with what he has seen so far.
‘The great thing is that you don’t know anything about it [the microchip]Thomas explained on Channel Seven.
‘You don’t know it’s there, nothing changes.
The AFLW uses chipped balls to make real-time scoring decisions, but they need to be charged before the match in order to work (pictured)
Footy legend Dale Thomas says the new footballs feel exactly the same – except they need to be charged before a match (Photo: A smart ball used in Collingwood’s round of 16 tie against Adelaide last weekend)
“The only strange thing was that when we got to the ground the football was in charge.”
The chip, which weighs about 20 grams, is made to mimic the exact size and weight of the ball. Sensors around the ground then monitor the movement of the ball.
AFL executive general manager of football Laura Kane is excited about the new technology on the field.
‘The smart ball technology and system works in a different way than our current ARC system. Instead, it will provide real-time information and, if necessary, alert our scoring assistant officials, who will then communicate with our referees,” Kane said.
“This will be a fantastic addition to NAB AFLW and provide a level of accuracy that we have not been able to facilitate before.”
“We have fully upgraded the referee communications system to ensure the score assist process can be enabled between the score assist officials at each match and our field and goal referees.”