A daring transfer to introduce a “wildcard round” earlier than the finals within the VFL in 2023 could possibly be a precursor to an enormous shake-up at AFL degree sooner or later.
The 21-team second-tier competitors, which options 11 of the AFL’s largest membership’s reserves groups together with reigning premiers Geelong, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Richmond will provide groups who end the common season exterior the highest eight one final likelihood to make the finals.
In the week after the top of the house and away season the groups that end seventh to tenth on the ladder will face-off in two sudden loss of life clashes on the weekend of August 26-27.
The winner of the seventh v tenth and eighth v ninth video games will transfer by to the finals, whereas the losers might be eradicated.
A wildcard spherical has lengthy been mooted as a possible transfer for the AFL to extend incentive for groups who could possibly be out of finals rivalry in the direction of the top of the season to push for the next end, moderately than limp by the ultimate rounds.
While the AFL has declared it’s present system, which included the introduction of a pre-finals bye for all groups in 2016, will keep for the instant future, the VFL transfer could possibly be seen as a trial for the wildcard system.
“The introduction of the Wildcard Round will present an thrilling new aspect to the 2023 Smithy‘s VFL season,” AFL head of state league competitions Jennie Loughnan said.
“With 21 teams competing in the Smithy‘s VFL, the addition of the Wildcard Round provides more teams the opportunity to contend for finals.
“We expect the Wildcard Round to create more anticipation and excitement for competing clubs and football fans throughout the home and away season, with more sides remaining in finals contention later into the regular season.
“We are extremely proud of the rich tradition and history of the VFL and its clubs, and are also open to exploring exciting new opportunities, such as the Wildcard Round, for clubs, players and fans involved within the competition.”
The VFL season will start in Round 2 of the AFL season.
Originally published as The AFL’s second-tier competitors will introduce a wildcard spherical earlier than finals
