The Monday Soapbox - R22

[Grantysghost]

I just don't care about it that much.

Another 2-games of footy during the bye week sounds great to me. I just don't see what's bad...if - as you say - 7th and 8th are already miles off the pack, then who really care's 'cos they aren't winning the flag anyway.

This whole thing seems to have caused so much angst when it just really doesn't materially impact on the outcome of the competition...so just do it. Other things that DO materially impact on the competition are implemented with far less passion and debate (rule changes - both on and OFF field - nga etc).

I know it's cool to say it's an American thing therefore it's a bad idea but it's a pretty new American thing and it's been implemented in a secondary sport (I think everyone in Australia thinks the NBA is WAY more popular than it actually is - it's all about the NFL over there) - and it was introduced primarily as a way to discourage tanking...or rather, to keep fans engaged with their teams and the outcomes of games longer. Right now - Gold Coast and Melbourne - technically eliminated - would still have half a chance at getting to 10th...that's 2 more teams playing out their games...how is that bad?

I don't know. I admire your passion I guess...I just really don't see much of a negative. Like you have said, 7th and 8th aren't that much good anyway so why not give the others a shot at it!

I think for me it's the cumulative effect of so many changes I dislike. I think you've outlined them recently. Whilst i post passionately I do go overboard for affect at times!

I'm sure i'd still hang around the game. I just can't see the point, solution looking for a problem type of thing.

I guess for those two teams this year it might be interesting, however most of my Dees mates are just sick of the season already.

As for GC, well if you don't win any away games (well arsed one) I don't think you deserve a crack.

[mjp]

I guess for those two teams this year it might be interesting, however most of my Dees mates are just sick of the season already.

That's because they have no hope.

If they were playing FOR something...no matter how tenuous - it somehow makes the games worth a little more. I don't know - I just don't see the harm in this. 6-6-6 starting positions, stand rule, 3rd man up etc etc...those things all suck. This is just about a game of footy.

[Sedat]

That's because they have no hope.

If they were playing FOR something...no matter how tenuous - it somehow makes the games worth a little more. I don't know - I just don't see the harm in this. 6-6-6 starting positions, stand rule, 3rd man up etc etc...those things all suck. This is just about a game of footy.

I am all for wildcard weekend in principle. Just a little sour on it when it is only an 18 team comp - giving 10th out of 18 any opportunity beyond H&A is a tad undeserved IMO. Imagine a scenario where the filth finish 10th and they get to play a 7th placed Marvel tenant at the MCG.

In a 19 or 20 team competition, it is more palatable.

[Grantysghost]

That's because they have no hope.

If they were playing FOR something...no matter how tenuous - it somehow makes the games worth a little more. I don't know - I just don't see the harm in this. 6-6-6 starting positions, stand rule, 3rd man up etc etc...those things all suck. This is just about a game of footy.

Hmmm - not sure about that. I think it's because Petracca is knackered, Gawn is falling apart, Oliver is stuffed etc...

They want the season to end.

[GVGjr]

If the competition had has been as competitive and even over the last 3 or 4 years as it has been this year then fine, it's worth considering but this is a massive overreach but the AFL and is more or less driven by greed and a need to generate crowds vastly bigger than the NRL. Most supporters don't see the merit in it and some others are just lukewarm leaving a smaller portion all in favor of it.

Here is a challenge for the AFL, get the competition competitive and even for a few years and then the supporters will be begging for a wildcard weekend but until then leave it alone and stop trying to dress it up. We can all see this proposal is mainly linked to the magicians slight of hand illusion with regards to memberships and crowd attendances.

I'm standing on my soapbox and waiting for someone to talk me down.

[Grantysghost]

Let's get this wildcard round in now!

Clayton Oliver will miss Melbourne’s remaining two games with a knee injury and fractures to his ribs, while also undergoing hand surgery.

[azabob]

Let's get this wildcard round in now!

Clayton Oliver will miss Melbourne’s remaining two games with a knee injury and fractures to his ribs, while also undergoing hand surgery.

Getting his body in order for mad Monday in a couple of weeks.

[Happy Days]

Getting his body in order for mad Monday in a couple of weeks.

Yeah I got a PCL injury - Pounding Cold beers with the Lads