Wild Card??

[Fred]

So - it is official. A wild card round the week before finals proper (?) - 7 v 10 and 8 v 9 I believe - the two winners go through to the finals. I'm not opposed to the idea per se - but where will this stop?

I have always had it that the team that finishes on top is the best team for the year. I think everyone plays each other once - crown the top team after this. Then, have a "finals" knockout comp - a little like the FA Cup - a little not - but basically - everyone plays each other once - winner goes through. Won't happen - but hey.

[leeroy*NRL*]

i am Yeah Nah on the idea...

I more do not like the idea>> as it gives weaker teams to make it and somehow make a Run to GF day..

[Quolls2019]

So - it is official. A wild card round the week before finals proper (?) - 7 v 10 and 8 v 9 I believe - the two winners go through to the finals. I'm not opposed to the idea per se - but where will this stop?

I have always had it that the team that finishes on top is the best team for the year. I think everyone plays each other once - crown the top team after this. Then, have a "finals" knockout comp - a little like the FA Cup - a little not - but basically - everyone plays each other once - winner goes through. Won't happen - but hey.

Misnamed…what is so wild about it? Straight forward increase from top 8 to top 10.
Now if they did something like include the best 2 performing teams (not in the final 8) for last part of the season, say last 8 or 10 games, that would be wild.
Having said that, it is rewarding mediocrity.

[Quolls2019]

So - it is official. A wild card round the week before finals proper (?) - 7 v 10 and 8 v 9 I believe - the two winners go through to the finals. I'm not opposed to the idea per se - but where will this stop?

I have always had it that the team that finishes on top is the best team for the year. I think everyone plays each other once - crown the top team after this. Then, have a "finals" knockout comp - a little like the FA Cup - a little not - but basically - everyone plays each other once - winner goes through. Won't happen - but hey.

The Finals system is ok as it is, although I preferred the 1994 version, where the top 4 teams play at home in the 1st week of the finals.

[Beaussie]

Most fans seem to be embracing the wildcard now.

Fox Footy’s projected final ladder and wild card spots will ensure big crowds and tv audiences.


Shock new favourite for last wildcard spot; the game that’ll decide who makes top six — The Run Home after Round 18

https://www.foxsports.com.au/AFL/AFL-20 ... 83f99a170e



PROJECTED FINALS BRACKET

First Qualifying Final (1st hosts 4th): Fremantle vs Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium

First Elimination Final (5th hosts Lowest Ranked Wildcard Winner): Adelaide Crows vs TBD at Adelaide Oval

First Wildcard Final (7th hosts 10th): Geelong vs GWS Giants at the MCG

Second Wildcard Final (8th hosts 9th): Western Bulldogs vs Collingwood at the MCG

Second Elimination Final (6th hosts Highest Ranked Wildcard Winner): Melbourne vs TBD at the MCG

Second Qualifying Final (2nd hosts 3rd): Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn at the SCG

The wildcard finals are played the week after the home and away season ends, with the top six teams getting a bye.

PROJECTED FINAL LADDER

1. Fremantle (19.35 projected wins)

2. Sydney Swans (17.4)

3. Hawthorn (16.05)

4. Brisbane Lions (15.2)

5. Adelaide Crows (14.65)

6. Melbourne (14.35)

7. Geelong (13.45)

8. Western Bulldogs (12.85)

9. Collingwood (11.95)

10. Greater Western Sydney Giants (11.5)

11. St Kilda (11.35)

12. Carlton (10.85)

13. North Melbourne (9.65)

14. Gold Coast Suns (9.6)

15. Port Adelaide (8.3)

16. West Coast Eagles (5.55)

17. Richmond (3)

18. Essendon (1.95)

[Fred]

dont like it - what is the point of finishing 9th or 10th? and where is the reward for finishing 7th and 8th. Just have a top 6 and be done with it.

[Fred]

better still - play all year - everyone once - crown the team on top as the winner - then do a play off of all teams as elimination FA Cup style as a seperate comp.

[Quolls2019]

Still say the wild card sucks, but not having a final series especially without a grand final would suck more.

[leeroy*NRL*]

what is annoying is the NRL will most likely follow, even knowing it has had it in the pass with 20 teams

18 teams and 10 get a shot is stupid.

NRL and PVL have stated they would be interested in Conferences ...

i wonder how that would go in AFL Land.

[Fred]

Still say the wild card sucks, but not having a final series especially without a grand final would suck more.

Not big on finals myself per se - particularly when it is such a large number of teams progressing - if they want finals - limit it to 6 team and have best of 3. Or, have a progressive knock out re: points, after so many rounds, some drop out but remaining teams keep points accumulated, continue on to playing every one once again,. then drop another lot out - keep points - when it gets to final four - then do play offs.