2026 Fixture discussion

[OneEyedRichmond]

I don’t see the big deal. It’s 2 extra games of football and avoids moving to a top 10 once there’s a 19th and possibly a 20th team in the competition.
I cannot understand how this is “ruining the game”.

I agree .. love it

[Tiger Khosh]

How exactly does 2 extra games make such an extreme difference to servicing the game fans?
And don’t use the argument that it dilutes making the finals because that old chestnut has been getting wheeled out since they brought out a top 5 in the 70’s.

I said it’s just the latest example of the AFL making a decision to suit themselves and their broadcasters over what the fans want. I think the overwhelming response from the fans has been negative. Ditto the opening round, ditto the pre finals bye, ditto the bye rounds spread over a month of footy weekends.

I don’t especially dislike the wildcard round although the name is stupid because there is nothing different about it vs an elimination final. Assuming the number of teams will hit 20 sooner than later then this was coming regardless. I don’t like the concept in any sport where you play a lengthy season and at the end of it you haven’t even eliminated half the teams, which is what will be the case next year with 10/18 teams qualifying for finals.

[Andyy]

How exactly does 2 extra games make such an extreme difference to servicing the game fans?
And don’t use the argument that it dilutes making the finals because that old chestnut has been getting wheeled out since they brought out a top 5 in the 70’s.

I said it’s just the latest example of the AFL making a decision to suit themselves and their broadcasters over what the fans want. I think the overwhelming response from the fans has been negative. Ditto the opening round, ditto the pre finals bye, ditto the bye rounds spread over a month of footy weekends.

I don’t especially dislike the wildcard round although the name is stupid because there is nothing different about it vs an elimination final. Assuming the number of teams will hit 20 sooner than later then this was coming regardless. I don’t like the concept in any sport where you play a lengthy season and at the end of it you haven’t even eliminated half the teams, which is what will be the case next year with 10/18 teams qualifying for finals.

x2

And once Taz comes in we should be aiming to remain at 18 teams IMO. Get rid of Aints and Norf.

[camboon]

I guess it’s adds interest but no doubt it’s a money grab by the unelected royalty who have made the punters sport/game into a game more for the woke and politicians .
It’s still watchable but it’s no where near the game we once knew.