STEPS to introduce new technology that allows players' athletic data to be tracked under the roof at Etihad Stadium continued with a full-match trial during the weekend's TAC Cup Grand Final.
The League used Sunday's under-18 decider between the Oakleigh Chargers and Calder Cannons to advance its testing of the 'local positioning system' at the venue, where it is understood more than 20 sensors have been installed around the ground to monitor players' athletic performance.
Previously, clubs have been unable to follow the work rate of players with GPS units at Etihad Stadium, because the roof and ground configuration prevent reliable information being sourced from satellites.
However, under a new program developed by Melbourne-based company Catapult Sports, the sensors worn by players send out a radio frequency to units positioned around the ground. The signal then bounces back to the units to provide a precise record of the players' movements.
Football operations boss Mark Evans said the system had been used in a small number of AFL games at the end of the season and early indications were that it produced accurate results.
"We instituted the trial ourselves and they did it for a couple of AFL games and on the weekend in the TAC Cup," Evans told AFL.com.au.
"I think it's certainly the way of the future ... and takes away the possibility that a particular satellite or two drops out.
"If it can provide greater accuracy I think there is some fantastic innovations that could come off the back of that, including not just for monitoring the athlete but also for the broadcaster or fans getting to interact with that data as well."
Evans and the AFL will discuss the results of the trial in greater depth at the end of the season before any decisions are made regarding further implementation.
Paul Dear, Hawthorn's 1991 Norm Smith medallist, is the business development manager at Catapult, which supplies GPS units for players to wear in matches and at training.
