Wildcard unlikely but ’17-6′ fixture idea under fresh examination to liven up whole season

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Clubs have given the AFL the green light to further explore a radical fixture overhaul loosely described as “17-6” that would see the fixture reset after each team played each other once.

The remaining six rounds leading into the finals would then create match-ups based on a team’s position on the ladder to determine the top eight.

The idea received more support than the wildcard idea that would see the pre-finals bye filled with games between teams that finished 7th to 10th on the ladder to qualify for the bottom two spots in the eight.

Such fixture ideas were discussed in a half-hour session during the club CEOs conference at Werribee Mansion that was led by the AFL’s CEO-elect Andrew Dillon.

Club bosses wanted the radical fixture proposal – which would not be introduced for at least a couple of years – to be looked at because, as one CEO said, according to a person in the room who preferred to remain anonymous, it was not fair that one team could finish above another team because they played weaker teams twice in a season.

Leaving on a high: Joe Selwood with last year’s premiership cup.Credit: Scott Barbour

This reality would not be addressed if a wildcard round was introduced with few clubs keen to reward teams with a finals spot if they finished 10th after 23 rounds.

Under the 17-6 idea, clubs would be split into three groups of six and play teams more evenly matched at the back end of the season to claim a top eight or top four spot.

Under that system, the bottom six teams would be playing dead rubbers with little incentive to finish higher on the ladder however the AFL is prepared to explore what options might make that situation more palatable.

CEO-elect Andrew Dillon chaired the CEOs conference in Werribee. Credit: Getty Images

It is not a new idea with the concept first floated at a CEOs conference in May 2015 and explored at regular intervals since. However, the fact it remains on the agenda reveals the league’s keenness to try new ideas to generate excitement, debate and entertainment for the entire season.

The NBA is introducing an in-season tournament this year which kicks off in November as they attempt to address the lull that happens within seasons.

Club CEOs said the gathering was a useful idea sharing exercise that gave the AFL clarity on what they should prioritise and an open forum for club voices.

Football department caps was an issue discussed at length on Tuesday as clubs discussed where the priorities lay with off-field spending after the cap was slashed when cuts were imposed during COVID-19. The football department cap now sits at $7.2million, down from its height of $9.7million.

There has been frustration among football department staff that the rest of the industry have had their incomes restored to pre-COVID levels while in many instances, their incomes remain at the reduced post-cut level.

However, the CEOs did not discuss how much the cap should increase or whether the senior coach’s wages should sit outside the cap. They were more focused on ensuring that different priorities among each club were adequately met and identifying where additional investment should be targeted.

Club CEOs were also appraised on the state of class actions around concussions and shared potential non-football revenue earning ideas as many divest from gaming.

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