Why the AFL is making the biggest ever change to the league’s Sherrin footballs

AFL boss Andrew Dillon has revealed microchip technology will be fitted to balls used at VFL level this weekend to help with decision-making during matches – and the huge change looks set to be a first.

The AFL CEO announced the trial of the chipped Sherrins after months of testing and research during a speech at the SportNXT conference in Melbourne.

“We have gone through a series of tests to ensure this does not affect the performance of the footy,” Dillon said.

“We got through that – we tried it out in training – and now we’re going to try it out in some VFL and VFLW games this weekend.

‘We’re very excited about what it brings to the score assessment.’

According to the AFL, tracking the ball will provide clarity on controversial decisions on the field

The push to integrate microchips into Sherrin footballs has been a long time coming, with similar technology being used in other sports such as the NFL.

Eddie McGuire has been a big supporter of ball tracking in sports behind the scenes, working with British technology company Sportable on the new products.

The Sherrins will be tested in the VFL match between Collingwood and Sandringham, and the VFLW match between the Southern Saints and Collingwood at RSEA Park on Friday.

“We’ve seen how technology in cricket and tennis has really helped decision-making. So we want to keep going and get to that level,” Dillon said.

Dillon said the data they collect from the balls will make analysis of the sport better.

However, the main purpose of the new technology will be to solve problems with the target assessment system.

“There’s so much upside to this technology, but we’re just going to make sure it absolutely does its job and we’re going to try to make sure it’s as close to 100 percent as possible,” Dillon said.

AFL football boss Laura Kane has made developing the technology a major priority.

‘Our work on the smart ball and its tracking technology is progressing well and we’re excited about the possibilities of what this can do, both from a performance data perspective, but also in providing insights for fans at matches and at home, as well as the options which could potentially open it up to our broadcasters,” she said.

The new footballs will be trialled in the VFL match between Collingwood and Sandringham, and the VFLW match between the Southern Saints and Collingwood at RSEA Park on Friday (pictured, Melbourne star Christian Petracca in action against Sydney)

‘Feedback from clubs in the pre-season period has been positive, with the view being that there is no difference in the look, feel and performance of the ball.

“Following this feedback, we are now ready to move to the next phase of testing, where we will see how the ball performs in a competitive environment.”