No.1 AFLX draft pick Bradley Hill is promising flair from all-indigenous team 'Deadly', while 'Flyers' skipper Nat Fyfe believes the public is warming up to the concept now the League's stars have been sorted into teams.
Fremantle wingman Hill was snared first by Eddie Betts and can't wait to play alongside the 'Deadly' captain, plus the likes of Essendon speedster Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and West Coast rivals Lewis Jetta and Willie Rioli.
"I reckon it's going to be pretty fast-paced and probably trying to get the ball out the back as fast as we can and let the little guys get to work and use their speed and skills," Hill said.
"It will be pretty cool playing with Eddie Betts, the captain, he's a star of the game. Little Tipungwuti will be good to play alongside.
"I've played with Lewis before in an Indigenous All-Star game.
"I've never played alongside Willie. I've known Willie for a long time, playing footy with Cyril (at Hawthorn) in the past.
"He's one of the most exciting small forwards, so I'm definitely looking forward to the opportunity."
Freo superstar Fyfe loaded up on midfield guns, picking vice-captain Marcus Bontempelli, Scott Pendlebury, Isaac Heeney and Stephen Coniglio – plus star bookends Alex Rance and Jeremy Cameron.
"They're some of the biggest names in the AFL all playing in the one team together," Fyfe said.
"We've seen a bit of a turning of the (public opinion) tide now that the teams have been announced.
"There was initial skepticism, but we're seeing already people are starting to warm up to it.
"Again, this is for kids. This is for that young age demographic, we're trying to attract a new audience.
"No one is trying to destroy the game of AFL as it is. The game is pretty perfect if you ask me."
Fyfe hosed down any rumoured issues regarding his elbow going into the tournament at Marvel Stadium on Friday, February 22.
"My elbow is fine, absolutely fine. I put it in the category of a blister or a broken toenail, there's nothing wrong with it," Fyfe said.
"AFLX will likely be a non-contact style of play because it's so quick.
"Tomorrow we'll (Fremantle) go out and do a 40-minute team training component where there's maximum tackling and pressure.
"There's more risk of me getting injured in regular pre-season team training, than there is in AFLX."
Fyfe enlisted Freo youngster Andy Brayshaw to help build his AFLX wishlist and, while he didn't select any Dockers, he will play against Hill and fellow teammate Joel Hamling.
"Nathan reckons he's going to try and do a hanger on me and my plan is to have a bounce looking back smiling at him," Hill said with a laugh.
