RoCo and Finey discuss all the footy news, fill you in on the Fourth Estate, preview the games and make the big calls!
The Footyology podcast Round 10 preview edition is here. RoCo and Finey discuss yet another proposal for a “finals wildcard” (will they ever give up?), Joe Daniher’s injury and the retirement of Heath Grundy. “Media Watch” discusses our two hosts’ columns this week, both a different angle on that old chestnut, the look of the game. We preview all nine games in full and give you something to go on with in “The Final Word”. The Footyology podcast … no mid-season slumps for us!
THE TIPS
RoCo (51): Collingwood, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, West Coast, Geelong, Richmond, GWS, St Kilda, Fremantle
Finey (52): Collingwood, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, West Coast, Geelong, Richmond, GWS, St Kilda, Brisbane
Possible beneficiary of wildcard. Geelong in 1993 beat 3 finalists in run home incl. Ess and missed the Top 6 on percentage. 12 wins. Top spot was 13W & 1D. Had experience over the other teams but didn’t get their act together until late. Agree though, its stiff bickies if you can’t get there.
Hey guys, love the pod. Just wanted to add a Pro for the WildCard Weekend, if you’ll hear me out.
Instead of rewarding mediocrity, a Wild Card round provides more reward for finishing 5th and 6th. Those teams get the benefit of a weeks rest, whereas 7v10 and 8v9 go straight into a wild card game after round 23 and then onto their respective matches vs 5 and 6. Currently the only reward for 5/6 is a home final, which can be subverted in the event of a particular matchup that the AFL will play at a venue or their choosing anyway. So with 5th and 6th now getting an easier first final, they should be better placed to have a chance at beating one of the top 4 teams the week after. Just a thought.
Just thought i’d add that thought to the discussion.
Fair point Kieran. I just have a fundamental problem with a side from the bottom half of the ladder (ie. 10th) being given ANY shot at a finals series. Just reckon it further devalues the worth of the 22 games played to qualify for it. I’m sure there’s plenty of people who agree with you on this.
I reckon the AFL should shelve the idea for when the competition (hopefully) expands to include Tasmania and another team. Then a top 10 finals series makes a little more sense as you can’t really have too many clubs fighting over so few spots to make a top 8 and by then the AFL’s equalisation masterplan should have many decent sides in a logjam in the middle of the ladder. The repercussions of introducing it now would probably be two uncompetitive elimination finals as 5th and 6th will be well rested and ready to dominate the wildcarders.