With the AFL reducing the JLT Community Series from three games to two, could they finally pull the trigger on AFLX?

If AFLX is launched next year as part of the pre-season, and assuming every player is fit an available,  who would be best suited to represent St Kilda in the seven-a-side format?

While the AFL is yet to clarify the full gambit of rules for the modified version of AFL, AFL X is a high octane version of the game, played on a smaller, rectangular ground, over four 10-minute quarters.

JLT Community Series Fixture released - See who St Kilda is playing

When a goal is conceded, rather than returning the ball to the middle for a restart, the defender will kick the ball back into play, just like when a behind is conceded in a normal match.

Players will need fast wheels and sharp skills. Think Jade Gresham.

With no centre bounces and minimal stoppages, specialist ruckmen might not be required, but a mobile key forward who can win the ball in the air and on the ground will be a must. Think Tim Membrey.

With less space to work in, turnovers will be punished in AFLX, so those who inflict damage by foot will be critical to success. Think Jack Billings.

Just like in the real stuff, class and poise will be crucial in and around the ball. Think Seb Ross and Jack Steven.

While the quarters will be shorter, don’t let that fool you. With only three players on the interchange, the game will demand speed-endurance animals who can transition up and back repeatedly. Think Jack Newnes and Jack Sinclair.

And while the game is built on the back of attack, you must be able to stem the flow the other way. Think Jake Carlisle and Jarryn Geary.

If you were picking seven players to start on the ground for the Saints in AFLX, who would you choose?

saints.com.au has stormed the selection table and identified players who we think would be best suited to AFLX:

Jade Gresham: The dynamic small forward has demonstrated his nous around goals and his ability to weave in and out of congestion.

Jack Billings: The man with the most damaging kick at St Kilda will be invaluable in a game where maintaining possession and ticking the scoreboard over are vital.

Seb Ross: The reigning Trevor Barker Award winner emerged as one of the premier ball winners in 2017 and almost always makes the right decision.

Jack Steven: In a game built around speed, the three-time best and fairest winner would shine brighter than most.

Jack Steele: With less players on the ground, applying pressure will be crucial and there aren't many better in the game than Steele.

Tim Membrey: Big bustling key forwards might not be suited in this game. Teams will need mobile targets who can get up and down the ground like Membrey.

Jake Carlisle: Teams will need players like Carlisle who read and react quicker than most to thwart opposition forays forward.

Dylan Roberton: Just like Carlisle, Roberton has become one of the best intercepting defenders in the game.

Jarryn Geary: While this game is built around attack, someone has to defend the castle. No one does it better than Geary.

Jimmy Webster: Teams will need someone who defends like their life depends on it and can also use the ball the other way.