Six top reasons to play AFL 9sThursday, April 23, 2015 - 3:30 PM

Three shoulder reconstructions and full-time work in the media made it close to impossible for former Subiaco player Michael Genovese to make a career in footy.

Yearning for a footy-fix Michael took up the offer to play for an AFL 9s team made up of Perth media personalities, the Bull Sharks, in 2013.

The game consists of two teams of nine players who are evenly spread within each of the three zones of play - the defense, midfield and forwards.

It took Michael a little while to get his head around the concept, which is very different to the AFL game.

“I was a bit skeptical at first and I thought surely you can’t modify footy, otherwise you’re taking the fun out of it.”

Too quick to judge, Michael said, “You learn pretty quick that there’s no contact and you’re not allowed to kick the ball over a third but once you learn those, it’s actually really fun.”

Having played three seasons, the modified game has given Michael the chance to play footy without the fear of reinjuring himself.

He loves it, and these are the top reasons why.

1. AFL 9s isn’t serious; it’s just great fun

It’s a great way to have a laugh, kick and muck around with your mates.

Michael said the touch-only version of AFL has brought a unique social aspect to the game.

“Footy is probably Australia’s number one game but they’ve never really been able to nail it on a recreational level,” he said. “You’ve always had to go down to a club and train and really commit, but social footy doesn’t require all that.”

2. Training once a week for AFL 9s works in well with a busy schedule

Michael played four games with the Lions and after securing a job he found it was hard to keep up with training.

“The training commitments were crazy, so it makes it really tough on guys who want to work fulltime,” he said. “I just couldn’t manage it.”

The Bull Sharks play two 20-minute halves on the Monday night and Michael said the 40 minutes every week fits in perfectly.

“It doesn’t take up time,” he said. “It’s a good alternative for people who still want to play footy but are not as serious as they use to be or as serious as other people.”

Playing on a weeknight also frees up the weekend to watch the serious stuff!

3. You don’t have to be a reigning footy legend to play AFL9s

The game is shorter and the ground is smaller, so it’s all about figuring out the best way to play within the rules.

“Skills don’t have to be great,” Michael said. “It’s more about team work and having fun.”

The game is designed to be played by all ages and abilities but still inlcudes the key skills of kicking, marking and handballing.

4. Anyone can play AFL9s

It’s easy to play and enables people of all ages and ability levels, whether male, female, or mixed to take part.

“It puts everyone on a level-playing field as you can’t tackle anyone and you can’t boot the ball 60 metres,” he said. “It brings everyone back a level and it makes it a lot more fun.”

5. You can play footy without getting hurt

The game gives you a solid workout and eliminates the chance of getting hurt by requiring players to use a touch instead of a tackle.

“A lot of people don’t want to play footy at 100% because they might get injured or have been injured in the past or they think their too old to play proper contact footy,” he said. “The game is perfect for people like that."

Michael claims he is yet to see someone get injured from the sport.

6. You make a heap of friends in AFL9s

Sport is one of the easiest ways to make friends and Michael said the team numbers have been on the rise since he started.

“I assume it’s growing because we’re seeing more and more teams involved in the league that we play in.”

You have the option to join a team as an individual too, so it’s a great way to meet people.

Are the Bull Sharks fit and fighting for the upcoming autumn season?

Genovese laughed and said, “We all just have fun with it and we enjoy each other's company.”

But they will be a side to watch, having won three out of the four grand finals they’ve played in.

Sign up and register now for this season of AFL9s starting on April 27 at http://afl9s.com.au