Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood will not have the chance to defend his AFLX premiership with Team Rampage, after the AFL today made the call not to include the tournament in the 2020 pre-season.

After a two-season trial across 2018-19, the AFL announced the change today.

“There are four new clubs entering the AFLW competition for 2020, and the AFL’s on-field priority next year is to ensure the right emphasis and resources are in place to ensure the women’s competition continues to build on the success of the first three seasons,” the AFL’s GM of Football Operations, Steve Hocking, said.  

“In addition, the AFL is assessing the full pre-season program for clubs and ways we can ensure the players and clubs are in the best condition in the lead-up to the Premiership season. This was a constant message in our recent mid-season reviews with the clubs.”

The AFL has said AFLX will retain a focus in community participation, particularly where Australian Football is developing and where access to playing venues can be difficult.