The NFL's Australian adventure has stirred the sport's faithful, with veteran quarterback Jared Stegman anticipating an explosion of interest as he targets an Olympic berth.
The 35-year-old from Brisbane has played professional gridiron in Sweden, Germany, Japan and most recently for Turkey's Istanbul Rams in the European League of Football.
Australia's captain in the side's last World Championship appearance 10 years ago, Stegman's Bayside Ravens have won the last six domestic titles.
He worked out with rugby star Jordan Petaia last month before he left for Florida chasing an NFL deal and thinks the Wallabies' code-hopper has the makings of a top-tier slot receiver or running back.
The NFL will play a regular-season game for the first time in Australia next year, the MCG announcement coming days before Monday's Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Long-time Tom Brady fan Stegman anticipates a spike in mainstream interest to coincide with that, adding the "underground following is just going to love it".
But he says a natural lean among the sport's faithful towards American football's non-tackle, five-a-side version - flag football - has already begun due to its inclusion in the Los Angeles' 2028 schedule.
"For the longest time flag football wasn't a thing," Stegman told AAP.
"But with only five on the field (per team), no equipment; it's a lot cheaper, more manageable and being an Olympic sport there's an end goal and funding there too.
"I want to make a run for it; this year is all about showcasing what I can do.
"National champs in early March, that's the big audition.
"It depends on our style of play, but in 2028 I'll still be able to throw a football accurately and with enough power to be worthwhile on a flag football field."
Australia's men and women will play the United States in a friendly series this June in Los Angeles, while talent identification camps are ongoing around the country.
Cross-code cameos are inevitable ahead of the LA tilt, while the sport's presence at Brisbane's 2032 Games is up in the air.
"For guys like Jordy (joining the NFL's international pathway program) it's almost under the radar now; part of the furniture with roster spots available on every team," Stegman said of the growing list of Australians trying their luck in America.
"And back in Australia I've seen a shift in the growth of flag ... it's just been amazing, taken on a professional nature.
"AFL players, touch footy players ... you combine them and you have the ultimate flag football player.
"With a very, very knowledgeable coach - you take the best talent and a quarterback who can lead - you have the makings of a great team."
