No Oppo Supporters General AFL discussion and other club’s news - Part 10

[Xtreme]

If 9th and 10th 'deserve' to play finals, maybe 11th and 12th also 'deserve' finals to some degree?

And to a lesser degree, 13th and 14th?

Wouldn't every supporter believe that with luck, and less injuries, their side 'deserved' finals?

What does it mean that a side 'deserves' finals? Isn't that just a subjective label?

We have a good OBJECTIVE system already, and...

If the AFL want more finals, just make it a final 18!!!! SHEEEEEESH

 

[bigmaxi]

I think some times we miss the point. The game is for the fans, the adoring emotionally charged lovers of all things footy. With this in mind, we would have liked to have a say in it. For a sport that prides itself to be inclusive, meh not so much.

 

[Atch]

I think some times we miss the point. The game is for the fans, the adoring emotionally charged lovers of all things footy. With this in mind, we would have liked to have a say in it. For a sport that prides itself to be inclusive, meh not so much.

We did have our say. I was listening to the radio yesterday and in 2024 they did a survey of all the AFL members about having a wild card round and 95 percent of members were against it. They didn't listen, they're a bunch of bozos.

 

[Mashy]

We did have our say. I was listening to the radio yesterday and in 2024 they did a survey of all the AFL members about having a wild card round and 95 percent of members were against it. They didn't listen, they're a bunch of bozos.

The AFLPA currently stating that the latest AFL members poll voted 77% against a wildcard round. Still overwhelmingly against.

 

[Mashy]

It just goes to show the arrogance of the AFL. Most organisations would at a minimum delay the decision, conduct further consultation with members and try to gain support for the idea. Dillon is gherkin.

 

[Manila_Hawk]

Having mulled on it for a few days....
.... Anything is better than the stupid bye week

 

[eldorado]

If the AFL want more finals, just make it a final 18!!!! SHEEEEEESH

No dead rubbers! No tanking! Every game counts!

It's better!

 

[unitedhawk2]

The AFLPA currently stating that the latest AFL members poll voted 77% against a wildcard round. Still overwhelmingly against.

I'd venture to suggest that 77% figure would drop further if the AFL abandoned the 'wildcard round' and designed a proper Final 10 system.

Nugett has already suggested a better system:

Think I’d be more interested if they made it that teams 1&2 have a bye. Have 3vs 6 and 4v 5, with the winners getting a double chance the following week while the teams that lost are playing in elimination finals the following week, and don’t call it a wild card round. Just call it for what it is, a top 10 rather than the top 8.

 

[unitedhawk2]

Whateley: The “doom loop” of wildcard hysteria

“That’s the biggest challenge the game is facing right now.”

www.sen.com.au

Need I - or anyone, for that matter - say any more?

Edit: As a frequent critic of Whateley's unprofessionalism when it comes to matters pertaining to Geelong, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge his contribution in this instance. So, well said, Gerard! Very well said indeed - and thanks for bringing some common sense to the debate. For once, you've outdone your media colleagues!

 

[eldorado]

Whateley: The “doom loop” of wildcard hysteria

“That’s the biggest challenge the game is facing right now.”

www.sen.com.au

Need I - or anyone, for that matter - say any more?

Edit: As a frequent critic of Whateley's unprofessionalism when it comes to matters pertaining to Geelong, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge his contribution in this instance. So, well said, Gerard! Very well said indeed - and thanks for bringing some common sense to the debate. For once, you've outdone your media colleagues!

WHATELY HAS SPOKEN!

LET THE CONVERSATION NOW BE OVER!

 

[unitedhawk2]

WHATELY HAS SPOKEN!

LET THE CONVERSATION NOW BE OVER!

I'd suggest he has simply reminded everyone that knee-jerk reactions can look embarrassingly premature in hindsight.

He also made a very valid point about Dillon & Co. needing to do a lot of work to convince its fan base - not just on this matter but plenty of others too. The comparison with the rugby league head honcho certainly doesn't flatter Dillon.

 

[Charchi]

I think some times we miss the point. The game is for the fans, the adoring emotionally charged lovers of all things footy. With this in mind, we would have liked to have a say in it. For a sport that prides itself to be inclusive, meh not so much.

Unfortunately the game is not for the fans, it might have been in up to the '70's. The game is a vehicle in which a few people with privileged positions can enrich themselves because there is a queue of people (us supporters) desperate to pay vast sums of money and join in week after week.
That is the aim of the AFL.

 

[eldorado]

I'd suggest he has simply reminded everyone that knee-jerk reactions can look embarrassingly premature in hindsight.

To be honest, on refection, I don't think the reaction (or overreaction, depending on your point of view) is necessarily about the round itself..(at least speaking for myself)

For me, a lot of the angst is the league bosses just continually tampering with the game.

A fan survey a few years back said the main gripe was the AFL continually changing things, and then introducing more changes to address the problems brought on by previous changes...

I seem to recall the AFL said they would listen...but every new admin needs to be seen to be "proactive"...so instead we get solutions to problems that don't exist, and told to like it or lump it.

I just wish they'd leave the game the **** alone for once...

 

[Yardie]

Whateley: The “doom loop” of wildcard hysteria

“That’s the biggest challenge the game is facing right now.”

www.sen.com.au

Need I - or anyone, for that matter - say any more?

Edit: As a frequent critic of Whateley's unprofessionalism when it comes to matters pertaining to Geelong, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge his contribution in this instance. So, well said, Gerard! Very well said indeed - and thanks for bringing some common sense to the debate. For once, you've outdone your media colleagues!

I don't agree that this is about being stagnant for two years and now Dillon has to make his moves.

I made another post about changing rules to cover issues created by changing rules that may not have solved the original problem I think the same is happening here.

Firstly, we've made a change to create the bye week that was a knee jerk reaction to a perceived problem that only existed for one season. So the bye round is now an issue that needs solving, rather then just either not having it or moving it to later we now must fill the void. The other issue the AFL has created is that by giving the northern teams so much of an advantage (to grow the game) without an exit strategy they now have the possibility of fewer teams south being involved in finals. That does affect fan engagement during finals. So the band aid solution is more finals, rather than trying to understand the what the actual problem is we are trying to fix. At some time in the future we will be trying to fix up this mess with another change that has forgotten all about what we were originally trying to fix.

 

[I got the outside word]

I'd suggest he has simply reminded everyone that knee-jerk reactions can look embarrassingly premature in hindsight.

He also made a very valid point about Dillon & Co. needing to do a lot of work to convince its fan base - not just on this matter but plenty of others too. The comparison with the rugby league head honcho certainly doesn't flatter Dillon.

Like introducing a ‘wildcard round’ because a couple of teams got close but didn’t make it?

 

[badgrill]

I'd suggest he has simply reminded everyone that knee-jerk reactions can look embarrassingly premature in hindsight.

He also made a very valid point about Dillon & Co. needing to do a lot of work to convince its fan base - not just on this matter but plenty of others too. The comparison with the rugby league head honcho certainly doesn't flatter Dillon.

off-topic, but in Tony Armstrong's recent doco on racism & sport, the difference between how the two bosses came across was stark - one seemed sincerely genuine in listening and looking to implement change, the other just used talking points and couldn't answer in a way that wasn't generic corporate-speak.

How that translates into reality moving forward, who knows, but Dillon didn't appear to really have it on his radar at all - or wasn't able to articulate it sincerely

 

[unitedhawk2]

I don't agree that this is about being stagnant for two years and now Dillon has to make his moves.

I made another post about changing rules to cover issues created by changing rules that may not have solved the original problem I think the same is happening here.

Firstly, we've made a change to create the bye week that was a knee jerk reaction to a perceived problem that only existed for one season. So the bye round is now an issue that needs solving, rather then just either not having it or moving it to later we now must fill the void. The other issue the AFL has created is that by giving the northern teams so much of an advantage (to grow the game) without an exit strategy they now have the possibility of fewer teams south being involved in finals. That does affect fan engagement during finals. So the band aid solution is more finals, rather than trying to understand the what the actual problem is we are trying to fix. At some time in the future we will be trying to fix up this mess with another change that has forgotten all about what we were originally trying to fix.

Certainly don't disagree about the 'introducing a fix for a fix that was never needed in the first place' part.

The point about the northern academies is an interesting one. I can also see the tangible benefits the academies have brought. The number of kids playing Aussie Rules in Sydney, where I live, is almost astronomically larger today than it was at the beginning of the century. You can walk around suburbs and watch boys - and, to a lesser but growing extent, girls - playing kick-to-kick with sherrins in parks, something you'd never have witnessed even 10 years ago.

I think the 'go back home' factor that once afflicted northern clubs is almost non-existent now. Brisbane is a veritable destination club and I'd suggest even Sydney qualifies for that term. The recent acquisitions by the Giants and Suns of high-profile Dees premiership players simply strengthens my belief on that front.

However, I do agree that that the sheer volume of high-quality players now being 'hoarded' by the northern clubs, thanks to their academies, is loomimg as a large problem for AFL House. They certainly do need an effective 'equalisation' measure - or exit strategy, to use your term - on that front. How they can manage that without diluting the impact of the academies at grassroot levels, will be an interesting watch over the years to come.

 

[unitedhawk2]

off-topic, but in Tony Armstrong's recent doco on racism & sport, the difference between how the two bosses came across was stark - one seemed sincerely genuine in listening and looking to implement change, the other just used talking points and couldn't answer in a way that wasn't generic corporate-speak.

How that translates into reality moving forward, who knows, but Dillon didn't appear to really have it on his radar at all - or wasn't able to articulate it sincerely

Haven't seen it yet but it's my to-be-watched list.

I'm not a Dillon fan by any means. The bloke doesn't seem to have any substance and "corporate-speak" sums him up perfectly. I reckon the AFL missed a trick by not appointing Gale as Gill's successor.

Still hopeful, though, that Swann can help improve matters substantially in the medium-to-long term. I also think Harley is a good addition to AFL House.

 

[Walshawk]

Like introducing a ‘wildcard round’ because a couple of teams got close but didn’t make it?

If we had the final 10 last season, the top nine would have known that they were in at round 17, and Swans could not miss with two rounds to go. That woild have taken much excitement out of the end of the season.

 

[brad sue well]

off-topic, but in Tony Armstrong's recent doco on racism & sport, the difference between how the two bosses came across was stark - one seemed sincerely genuine in listening and looking to implement change, the other just used talking points and couldn't answer in a way that wasn't generic corporate-speak.

How that translates into reality moving forward, who knows, but Dillon didn't appear to really have it on his radar at all - or wasn't able to articulate it sincerely

I’ve been meaning to watch the Doco.

I’ve said it before, I find it mind blowing that the AFL has taken the executive diversity role away, did it in really poor circumstances and that department doesn’t resemble what I did even earlier this year.

Majak Daw was Demetriou’s proudest moment, to have such an unlikely starting point in life that makes its way to the top level. Not sure the AFL wants to make good progress in these areas like it used to.

 

[brad sue well]

Haven't seen it yet but it's my to-be-watched list.

I'm not a Dillon fan by any means. The bloke doesn't seem to have any substance and "corporate-speak" sums him up perfectly. I reckon the AFL missed a trick by not appointing Gale as Gill's successor.

Still hopeful, though, that Swann can help improve matters substantially in the medium-to-long term. I also think Harley is a good addition to AFL House.

Dillon is so heavily briefed, it’s embarrassing for him to repeat the same sound bites on press conferences. Mechanical.

Dillon is supposed to be a lot more likeable in the workplace than Gillon. Didn’t expect to hear that.

 

[badgrill]

I’ve been meaning to watch the Doco.

I’ve said it before, I find it mind blowing that the AFL has taken the executive diversity role away, did it in really poor circumstances and that department doesn’t resemble what I did even earlier this year.

Majak Daw was Demetriou’s proudest moment, to have such an unlikely starting point in life that makes its way to the top level. Not sure the AFL wants to make good progress in these areas like it used to.

Tanya Hosch? Armstrong raised that very point with him around what that says about their priorities, and the response was... calling it underwhelming would be kind

'Nothing to see here, man': Tony Armstrong on racism, denial and Aussie sport

Proud Gamilaroi man and TV presenter Tony Armstrong has felt the sting of racist trolling online. Now he's using it as ammunition as he tackles racism in sport in the new documentary series End Game.

www.abc.net.au

 

[Leather Poisoning]

Whateley: The “doom loop” of wildcard hysteria

“That’s the biggest challenge the game is facing right now.”

www.sen.com.au

Need I - or anyone, for that matter - say any more?

Edit: As a frequent critic of Whateley's unprofessionalism when it comes to matters pertaining to Geelong, it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge his contribution in this instance. So, well said, Gerard! Very well said indeed - and thanks for bringing some common sense to the debate. For once, you've outdone your media colleagues!

Gerrard is the most hysterical commentor in the AFL media landscape.

A few responses:

1. The fans voted on and overwhelmingly voted AGAINST a wildcard round. He should not be surprised that there is a negative response.
2. The shift to the final 8 was a good one - it improved the finals series. This move does not. It adds more nonsense finals because now 7th and 8th have a harder run and their slim chance of winning is now lower.
3. His article highlights that at every point the AFL has tried to change the finals that the fans have hated the idea of change. Yet they continue to ignore the fans. Again, this should not result in any surprise when the negative reaction comes.
4. Gerard fuels and is a beneficary of the rage he refers to in his article. Absolutely twit.
5. "The AFL has stood still for two years - disastrously" what the **** is he on about here?
6. "The vocal fan base want the sport to stand still". No, the paid up suppoert base of club and league members want that. The people who pour their discretionary money and time into the sport.

Attendance and viewer numbers are up - but it doesn't mean the game is better for it. It just means it's better for the advertisers. e.g. People tune in for every second of trade period and smash the refresh key constantly for 3 weeks but it's a piece of shit product that everyone utlimately hates despite being glued to it.

 

[Ashman23]

I'd still argue against Gerald (yes I know it's Gerard) is saying the final eight is a good thing. I still think it rewards mediocrity, which isn't the intended reason but for more games that means more money for the AFL, rather than more exciting finals football and teams seventh and eighth a chance to win a flag.

 

[BIGHAWK23]

I'd still argue against Gerald (yes I know it's Gerard) is saying the final eight is a good thing. I still think it rewards mediocrity, which isn't the intended reason but for more games that means more money for the AFL, rather than more exciting finals football and teams seventh and eighth a chance to win a flag.

Teams missed finals this year with 14 and 12 wins, clear finalists in previous years

Hardly mediocre