The AFL has taken fan engagement to a new level by introducing a 'Masked Singer Round'. This unique event will take place in an additional week between the Preliminary finals and the Grand Final, aiming to bring fans closer to the game in a way they never expected.

In a bold move to address fan feedback, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced that the league has listened to calls for consistency in umpiring, stable rules, and less American influence. Naturally, this has led to players being dressed up as pop stars like Ariana Grande, creating a spectacle where a full forward might belt out '7 Rings' during play.

Despite not removing the unpopular ‘stand’ rule, the AFL promises that the sight of stars like Jordan De Goey potentially singing Taylor Swift hits while dressed as a purple spider will be a fantastic treat for fans and the game alike.

The new format is as entertaining as it is mysterious, with players only revealing their identities after scoring a goal or getting concussed (let's hope for the former). Umpires face a new challenge too, as they must correctly identify players before awarding free kicks, with a hefty 62.5-meter penalty for mistakes.

The AFL reassures everyone that this is not just a gimmick but the first step in a broader strategy to modernize the entertainment aspect of the game through an 'identity pathway arc'.