REPRESENTATIVE football is likely to replace the NAB Cup Grand Final next year after sweeping changes were made to the structure of the 2014 AFL season.





The exact form of the game is yet to be determined, with either an All-Star or a State of Origin format possible.





The AFL Players' Association will set up a working party to help consider the concept that will be developed in consultation with the League.





An All-Star format – similar to that played by the NFL – is considered more likely than State of Origin as it would make it possible for all players to be selected in the game.





The contest would be played two weeks before the premiership season begins and would follow two pre-season matches played between clubs in the lead-up.





The most recent representative football occurred during the 2008 season - a Hall of Fame Tribute game between Victoria and an All-Star team was played at the MCG.





That game attracted 69,294 and players received a match fee that was donated to selected charities.





Players expressed support for the return of representative football in a recent survey conducted by the AFLPA.





The chance to play alongside and socialise with the best players of their era is attractive to many players. Many are also fans of American sport where the concept of representative games is part of their professional sporting culture.



