Since the AFL introduced the pre-finals bye week in 2016, there has been an annual debate on its impact within the competition.
The inaugural pre-finals bye saw the seventh-placed Western Bulldogs gain key players back into their side after injury just in time for week one of the finals series, going on to win four consecutive finals and claim the flag.
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Although many argue that their dominance demonstrated the strength of that 2016 Bulldogs side, it raises questions on whether this pre-finals bye played a role in their successful finals campaign. Without the week off, would they have been eliminated in week one?
For teams such as the Sydney Swans, this week seems to come as a blessing, with the break allowing for a potential inclusion of three superstar players in time for their qualifying final clash against cross-town rivals GWS. Justin McInerney, Tom Papley and All Australian Chad Warner were pivotal in Sydney’s success this season and will play crucial roles in the finals if cleared to play next weekend.
With the two qualifying final winners set to have another week off ahead of their home preliminary final, it questions the disjointed formation of the finals system. For teams such as Port Adelaide heading into the finals on a six-game winning streak, does the week off, followed by another potential break, disrupt their momentum, or does it allow for optimum recovery of the players ahead of their biggest games this season?
Similarly, many football gurus are beginning to question the advantages of finishing in a top-four position when a ‘week of rest’ is being handed to all top eight teams. Prior to 2016 players earnt their bye week ahead of a home prelim, giving the top-two sides a cherished week of rest, yet it is apparent that this ‘recovery’ is no longer as valued as in previous years.
This level playing field seems to discredit the achievements of the respective top-four teams.
According to a Fox Footy article, between 2000 to 2015 at least one of the qualifying final winners made the grand final. Alternatively, between 2016 to 2021, only 40 per cent of the time have both qualifying final winners have made a grand final appearance.
Coincidence or not, there appears to be a clear correlation between the introduction of the pre-finals bye amidst the disjointed finals series and with no end to this week of controversy in sight, it appears the week off will continue on for some time.
For passionate footy fans like myself, the worst part of it all is the anticipation ahead of the finals series.
Thankfully with the launch of the AFLW Season, footy fans haven’t gone completely without their beloved game – yet, I think we can all agree that Thursday night couldn’t come any faster.