Forum topic

Good to see the VFL go to a top 10 finals series, it's needed with so many teams in the comp. Keeps the season alive longer for more teams.

For mine, having two extra teams playing finals is better than having a bunch of teams play two extra games when they don't have a chance of making finals.

I'd rather see a more even home and away fixture where you are playing against every team.  I would have thought that would be a given!

So basically teams 7th to 10th are playing 'Elimination Finals' in Week 1, to progress to the Elimination Finals?

It jus seems a bit Mickey Mouse to me.

Top 6 will automatically qualify for finals

Wildcard Round (August 26/27) - 7v10, 8v9 - 2 winners get remaining spots in the finals

Grand Final SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24

I think people have read the statement wrong 6 x automatic and and two from playoffs not actual Finals matches = still only 8 in the Finals over 4 weeks.

In terms of extra teams in finals v extra games, I think about it through a Dolphins perspective and if I'm a Frankston player, I want whatever gives me the chance to play finals games, and if I'm a fan I want to see the team playing in finals games.

That's what it's all about, still being alive after the home and away season is done and playing in do-or-die games where you can advance to the next week. I'd take seeing the Dolphs back in those sort of games any day over watching two more regular games.

I agree with North Port, seems Mickey Mouse. Also there had better be Coburg v Preston this year.

I agree with your thoughts 100% Paul but I reckon we are the overwhelming minority. Out of all the Port fans I've asked nobody likes the idea and I've only seen 2 people say it's a good idea which we're a Preston and Frankston fan (if that makes any difference).

I can definitely see the positives but if a poll was conducted I reckon 80% would be against the change.

The problem I see with the wild card round is that potentially, you could finish 7th or 8th and not play finals! Doesnt seem very fair to me and how would you feel if it happened to your team - I would be filthy!

What could be fairer than 21 teams playing a 20 round season where each team plays each other?

For mine, when you only have eight playing finals in a 21-team comp it means teams can go 11-7 like Richmond this year and not play finals. That's ridiculous. I'd be filthy if the Dolphs won 11 games and missed out. A top 10 is much better system with 21 teams and gives more clubs a genuine chance late in the season.

And please don't fall for this 'wildcard' PR. If you're playing in an elimination game the week after the season finishes with the chance to move onto the next week if you win, you're in finals. Anyone saying otherwise is spinning you a new one, and may well try to sell you a bridge next!