MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Joe Daniher of the Bombers laughs during a Essendon Bombers AFL media opportunity at True Value Solar Centre on August 16, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon says he wants to be an element of fun and laughter across AFLX this weekend. 

While still saying he 'absolutely' wants it to be competitive, Lyon said he hopes it's more laid back than a usual preseason contest. 

“I want competitive, enjoyable harmony. That’s my catchcry for AFLX,” he said on SEN Breakfast.

“I want the Joe Daniher at Etihad Stadium that was running around backslapping and laughing and cuddling. I want all that for AFLX.

“I want to see difference in AFLX. I don’t want blokes to run out with the sternest looks on their face.

“I want to see them enjoying themselves. I want to see them laughing and having a bit of fun and trying something a little bit different.

“Absolutely competitive, because when you represent your club you will be, but I want Joe Daniher for AFLX. It could not have summed that up better.”

Unfortunately for Lyon, Daniher was not named by Essendon for their Melbourne tournament, however St Kilda's Jack Steele said the shortest form of AFL doesn't appear too different than the form that we're used to. 

“There’s really not that much difference,” the 22-year-old told SEN Afternoons.

“As soon as you score the ball can come back in and go straight back down the other end. It’s important to set up when you kick a goal instead of just celebrate.

“It is just going to be a lot quicker form of the game which is going to be fun.”

AFLX will make its debut on Thursday night in Adelaide.