At the annual AFL executives conference, the idea of a "Wildcard Round" was thrown in the air, and contrary to last year's opinions, was received warmly by club executives.
It could consist of a 7v10 and 8v9 format, in an elimination match that provides four sides placed outside of the top six with a do-or-die clash to make finals.
Likely taking place in the pre-finals bye, it would create an enticing weekend of two marquee games. However, it would replace a top-eight finals system that has been established in the AFL since 1994 and is now embedded into the hearts of all football fans.
The team at Zero Hanger have had their say on the concept, and whether it is a reasonable innovation or unnecessary inclusion.
Callum Farquhar: The Wildcard Round should only be considered once the AFL has expanded to 20 teams. The VFL commenced a wildcard-style finals system in 2023 after the league expanded outside of Victoria in 2021, and it allows for the top half of teams to qualify for a spot in September action. However, if the AFL introduce the Wildcard Round as soon as next year, it means teams not even in the top-half of the ladder can contend for a premiership, which is unjust to other sides that have competed for 24 Rounds to earn a high ladder position.
It also eliminates the weeks of tension leading into the finals. Had there been a Wildcard Round, Carlton's loss to Collingwood in Round 23, 2022 would not have been so dramatic, and Adelaide's falsely adjudicated behind in Round 23, 2023 would not have been so rightfully scrutinised.
From a revenue standpoint, it's a great idea for the AFL as it eliminates the pre-finals bye and creates two marquee games of football. Should the league expand to 20 teams in the future, I think a Wildcard Round will be reasonable, but in an 18-team competition it harms the hard work done by clubs to earn a top-eight finish after nearly six months of football.
Aidan Cellini: The Wildcard Round concept is a two-part discussion.
Firstly, given the growth of the game and the introduction of Tasmania (2028) and likely the 20th side, it makes sense that more teams can play finals. I think around 50% of teams should be eligible to compete for the flag. It would also bridge the home and away season with the finals, given the weekend would be played in the pre-finals bye break.
Adding clubs that finish ninth and 10th can diminish the integrity of the final. It could have the potential of clubs with a losing record and yet still play "finals". Taking the 2016 ladder for example, Port Adelaide finished 10th with 10 wins and 12 losses. I'm not sure that should be rewarded.
Nick Splitter: I'm a fan of the Wildcard Round concept. Now, full disclosure - I am a massive US sports fan, and, while there are a whole lot of differences between our game and what happens over there (and we shouldn't just be copying them on everything), the Americans know a thing or two about fan engagement and game development.
There are a few reasons an AFL Wildcard Round is likely to eventuate at some point:
a) Keeps lower ladder clubs engaged for longer into the season
b) Extends the 'finals atmosphere' amongst clubs and fans alike
c) More game/s, more fans, more revenue
Some fans will absolutely rail against it, and that's fine, but when you break it down, it's simply a matter of 'when', not 'if'.
Mitch Keating: I won't be for a post-season Wildcard Round until there are 20 teams in the competition, at least. Currently, the two elimination finals that take place in the top eight finals system ARE 'wildcard' games.
Sure, when we finally add two more teams to the AFL I'd be open to making it a top 10, but the idea of having a club that finished outside of the top half of the league having their season continue after 24 weeks doesn't sit right.
I understand the revenue and entertainment benefits that come with it, but it takes away from the product that is finals football.
Frank Seal: Despite success in other codes, the AFL has no need for a Wildcard Round.
The season is long enough without further expansion, and the integrity of finals placement has never been a contentious topic. Select Round 24 matchups bring in all the excitement we need ahead of September. Carlton vs Collingwood in 2023 may go down as the greatest home & away match in history and a Wildcard Round would have compromised its fallout, as the Blues' finals hopes would have remained.
It's a better idea for leagues like the NBA which drags on for 82 games in the regular season and needs some sort of kick to ramp up the excitement during the dog days of the year.
The excitement and competitiveness in the AFL are a given without any more added layers.
Having a “top eight” from 18 teams rewards enough mediocrity as it is.
Why introduce even more?
As the chase for dollars become all encompassing – and with it the KPI “bonuses”, so does the integrity of the game diminish.
Pretty soon teams will get a script before each game…..
“I’m a fan of the Wildcard Round concept. Now, full disclosure – I am a massive US sports fan, and, while there are a whole lot of differences between our game and what happens over there (and we shouldn’t just be copying them on everything), the Americans know a thing or two about fan engagement and game development.”
No – they know how to put on a spectacle.
It comes to the decision as to whether what we have is a “sport” – decided by endeavour – or “entertainment” which is eventually decided by a script.
W should be copying the Americans on nothing.
Let them have their way – let us continue to have “our way”….. Let us retain the idea of “football” rather than a TV soapy series…..