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AFL considers axing pre-finals bye amidst COVID chaos




The AFL is set to maintain its season rolling and that would probably see the pre-finals bye scrapped after 5 years.

There are simply two rounds left within the home-and-away season, which has proceeded all through present and former lockdowns throughout the nation, albeit with fixture reshuffles.

Channel Nine reported on Wednesday the AFL’s want to maintain the season shifting has the league contemplating beginning the finals the week after spherical 23, eradicating the bye.

Melbourne are assured to complete within the high 4 and coach Simon Goodwin stated the Demons had been able to roll straight into finals if required.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to get this season away, and we’ll be ready and that’s the best approach that we’ll take,” Goodwin advised reporters on Thursday. 

“Our gamers have achieved an infinite quantity of labor, they’re match-hardened, they’re prepared and so they’ll do regardless of the sport must placed on the perfect spectacle for the AFL, wherever that could be. 

“So we’re looking forward to that opportunity, we can’t wait and if it means there’s no pre-finals bye, that won’t impact us one bit.”

The pre-finals bye has been controversial because it was launched in 2016 – realistically to forestall groups resting gamers in video games forward of finals.

While the bye has allowed groups an additional week to regain injured gamers forward of their finals campaigns, it additionally means top-four groups that win their qualifying finals – and subsequently earn every week off – solely play two video games within the area of 4 weeks forward of their preliminary closing.

Despite his aspect being nearly sure to complete within the high 4, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge stated on Thursday he’s “apathetic” in direction of dialogue across the bye.

Geelong are in the identical place, with Cats coach Chris Scott saying his membership will roll with the punches relatively than inflicting issues for the AFL as they try to finish the season.

“I’m appreciative of the fact that we’ve been asked our opinion on it, but very aware that we have no influence at all,” Scott stated.

“We’ll simply get on with it and modify if we have to.

“Right on the minute, we’re making ready for the likelihood that there can be a pre-finals bye.

“I think with a week and a half to go it’s pretty important to make that decision, but we completely respect that everyone needs to think on their feet, given the circumstances around the globe at the moment.”

Scott stated opinions on the bye in AFL clubland had been pushed by self-interest.

“Even within our club, there are some players that would like to keep rolling because they’re in good form and have got some momentum, and others that need a spell and recovery time from injury,” Scott stated.

“It’s a bit like finals (match) timing and venues – it’s completely out of our control. It’s a question for the AFL.”

© AAP





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