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AFL considers axing pre-finals bye amidst COVID chaos

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12th August, 2021
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The AFL is determined to keep its season rolling and that could potentially see the pre-finals bye scrapped after five years.

There are just two rounds left in the home-and-away season, which has proceeded throughout current and previous lockdowns across the country, albeit with fixture reshuffles.

Channel Nine reported on Wednesday the AFL’s desire to keep the season moving has the league considering starting the finals the week after round 23, removing the bye.

Melbourne are guaranteed to finish in the top four and coach Simon Goodwin said the Demons were ready 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 told reporters on Thursday. 

“Our players have done an enormous amount of work, they’re match-hardened, they’re ready and they’ll do whatever the game needs to put on the best spectacle for the AFL, wherever that may 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 since it was introduced in 2016 – realistically to prevent teams resting players in games ahead of finals.

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While the bye has allowed teams an extra week to regain injured players ahead of their finals campaigns, it also means top-four teams that win their qualifying finals – and therefore earn a week off – only play two games in the space of four weeks ahead of their preliminary final.

Despite his side being almost certain to finish in the top four, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said on Thursday he is “apathetic” towards discussion around the bye.

Geelong are in the same position, with Cats coach Chris Scott saying his club will roll with the punches rather than causing problems for the AFL as they attempt to complete 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 said.

“We’ll just get on with it and adjust if we need to.

“Right at the minute, we’re preparing for the probability that there will 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.”

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Scott said opinions on the bye in AFL clubland were driven 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 said.

“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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