Assistant Coach Ben Hudson will take the reins as Head Coach for the first time at the inaugural AFLX tournament in Sydney on February 17. 

"It's an exciting opportunity. Fages [Chris Fagan] came and tapped me on the shoulder," Hudson said.

"I will certainly learn a lot from the experience."

With just over a week until the tournament, Lions players are enjoying the challenge of dedicated AFLX work at training sessions according to Hudson.

"They have all embraced it. The good thing about a young side is they have taken on the challenge and they have learnt so much," Hudson said. 

"It's fast and exciting. It's a really good coaching tool in the fact that the ability to transition from offence to defence, there's no held up ball - it really tests out the decision making of players under fatigue."

One player who will almost certainly make an appearance for the Lions at AFLX is Allen Christensen, who will be making his return from a tough couple of years with injury. 

"It's exciting for Bundy. He has had a really good pre-season and I think he will get a lot of encouragement and confidence from playing at a modified level."

Hudson played 18 games for the Lions in 2012 and is currently the Ruck and Midfield Assistant Coach.

The Lions' squad for AFLX will be announced next week.