A final 16
Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2017 8:05 pm
With the debate about the bye being a disadvantage to those in the top 4, maybe it is time to consider a final 16.
Not only would this have the benefit of eliminating tanking, it gives those higher up the ladder easier games leading into the GF.
Basically we would have 8 finals in the first week based on finishing order -1 v 16, 2 v 15 etc.
Week 2, assuming that top 8 won, then 1 v 8, 2 v 7 etc.
Week 3, assuming top 4 win, then 1 v 4 and 2 v 3.
Week 4 - GF.
Under this system, you get real advantage in finishing higher by getting easier games. But also tanking for the spoon is virtually eliminated as you still have a faint chance of premiership glory as long as you avoid the bottom 2.
Great for the AFL as it eliminates meaningless games as all sides are still a finals chance going late into the season.
Also helps alleviate the unfairness of the draw because the draw could be the difference between 8 -12 under the current system.
Maybe it cheapens the finals a bit, by allowing poor sides to play finals, but it will maintain interest for all clubs for the whole season.
Not only would this have the benefit of eliminating tanking, it gives those higher up the ladder easier games leading into the GF.
Basically we would have 8 finals in the first week based on finishing order -1 v 16, 2 v 15 etc.
Week 2, assuming that top 8 won, then 1 v 8, 2 v 7 etc.
Week 3, assuming top 4 win, then 1 v 4 and 2 v 3.
Week 4 - GF.
Under this system, you get real advantage in finishing higher by getting easier games. But also tanking for the spoon is virtually eliminated as you still have a faint chance of premiership glory as long as you avoid the bottom 2.
Great for the AFL as it eliminates meaningless games as all sides are still a finals chance going late into the season.
Also helps alleviate the unfairness of the draw because the draw could be the difference between 8 -12 under the current system.
Maybe it cheapens the finals a bit, by allowing poor sides to play finals, but it will maintain interest for all clubs for the whole season.