Should the AFL introduce a 8th vs 9th play-off before finals series?

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petrolium

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Nov 2, 2018
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Just borrowing an idea from the NBA where they have a play-in before the play-off series commence. I think it would add some extra excitement/intrigue.

Given that we have 18 teams and only a top 8, would it be a good idea for the AFL to introduce a play-off game (one off game) between 8th and 9th placed teams at the end of the H/A season?
It could be played in the bye between the last H/A round and first round of the finals. The winner would play the 5th placed side in an elimination final (like usual).

What are your thoughts?
 

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PJays

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8 vs 9
7 vs 10

Advantages

- Keeps more fans interested for longer

- Removes the annoying, anticlimactic week off on eve of finals

- Genuine advantage for top 6 who still get the extra week off. Currently there's a massive advantage finishing top 4 instead of 5th, but comparatively minimal advantage finishing 5th instead of 8th. This system would create an advantage more aligned with ladder position earned over 22 games. (Of course, it does mean 7th has minimal advantage over 10th, but at that point you're talking 2 mid rung teams).

- If you win more games than you lose, as 9th and 10th often do, you deserve a crack at finals

Winners all round.

Can't see any downsides. The bye gives this a perfect window to happen. It's a no brainer. Or just go 8 vs 9, either would be a great addition
 
Last edited:
Sep 30, 2011
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8 vs 9
7 vs 10

Advantages

- Keeps more fans interested for longer

- Removes the annoying, anticlimactic week off on eve of finals

- Genuine advantage for top 6 who still get the extra week off. Currently there's a massive advantage finishing top 4 instead of 5th, but comparatively minimal advantage finishing 5th instead of 8th. This system would create an advantage more aligned with ladder position earned over 22 games. (Of course, it does mean 7th has minimal advantage over 10th, but at that point you're talking 2 mid rung teams).

- If you win more games than you lose, as 9th and 10th often do, you deserve a crack at finals

Winners all round.

Can't see any downsides. The bye gives this a perfect window to happen. It's a no brainer. Or just go 8 vs 9, either would be a great addition
Top 4 winners then have 2 byes in 3 weeks heading into the prelim. Takes away some of their advantage.
 
Feb 13, 2011
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Just borrowing an idea from the NBA where they have a play-in before the play-off series commence. I think it would add some extra excitement/intrigue.

Given that we have 18 teams and only a top 8, would it be a good idea for the AFL to introduce a play-off game (one off game) between 8th and 9th placed teams at the end of the H/A season?
It could be played in the bye between the last H/A round and first round of the finals. The winner would play the 5th placed side in an elimination final (like usual).

What are your thoughts?
So a final 9?
 
Mar 4, 2015
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Yes but for 8th v 18th, I was thinking end of season, pre finals draft for 18th place where they can borrow as many players as they want from any non top 8 teams.
West Coast can pick up Dusty, Bont, etc. etc.

Or, scrap the finals and give them all a participation award.
 

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petrolium

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Nov 2, 2018
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So a final 9?
Not exactly. At end of home and away season, whoever finishes 8th and 9th play each other in a single game in the week before the actual final series starts to determine who takes the final finals position
 
I'd like to see a playoff between the 8th placed side and the AFLW premiers for the last spot in the AFLH finals series.
That would be a slaughter.

If we are doing conferences then we should have wild card places for the last finals spots in case the top three of one conference is far worse than the other.
 

M Malice

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That would be a slaughter.

If we are doing conferences then we should have wild card places for the last finals spots in case the top three of one conference is far worse than the other.
tongue-in-cheek-jpg.330718
 

btdg

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If we have to do a play in game then it should be the team outside the 8 with the best record in the second half of the season and/or best team vs finals competitors. Make it a genuine wild card for a team who are good but injury affected or who took a while to get going.

If ut is just the 9th and 10th best team there is no point otherwise
 

Rabish Binney

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Why do we see the need to keep Americanising our game?

A club finishes 9th and is therefore not good enough to make finals.. so why give them any extra chance? Next thing you'll want a best of 5 game grand final series.

Where does it stop? A final 10?? Conferences; divisions??? Time outs during games?

Definitely a no from me.
 

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