SEN Time on Host Sam McClure has revealed that the AFL are considering implementing a new 17-5 fixture model to ensure there are no dead rubber matches during the final rounds of the season.
The current fixture model has drawn wide spread criticism, with a number of seemingly meaningless matches scheduled between now and the end of the home and away season.
McClure is a big advocate of the 17-5 model and says it would create a much more attractive set of fixtures where every club will have something to play for regardless of their ladder position.
“This is very much on the AFL’s agenda,” he told SEN’s Time On.
“The AFL are working behind the scenes of how the 17-5 can work. The big problem the AFL have is twofold: one is the membership – how can you guarantee a side gets 11 home games each year.
“And also the top six playing each other in the final five games probably means that they’re beating each other up before September which maybe opens the door for the teams that sneak into seventh and eighth.
“While a lot of us applaud the AFL at looking into all possibilities, it is my belief that it’s the fixture that should be changed first.”
The SEN newsbreaker provided examples of some of the upcoming fixtures as a reason why the 17-5 model should be introduced.
“We’re coming into the 17th round this week so let’s have a look at how much better our system would be if the 17-5 model was live and active,” McClure said.
“It means Essendon v Fremantle this weekend would be playing for 12th position. What a game and what a spectacle that would be, basically playing for the chance to compete with teams to make it into the eight.
“It would also eradicate any remaining dead games.
“Let’s have a look at some dead games for Round 19: Cats v Lions, Giants v Saints, Gold Coast v Carlton, Bulldogs v Port, Dockers v Hawks.
“Round 20 you have got: Brisbane v North, Saints v Bulldogs, Carlton against the Giants at Etihad Stadium and Melbourne v Gold Coast.
“This can’t happen. The competition is even enough now where we have to make every single contest and every game worth something.
“There are problems with this system, but there are problems that can be fixed.
“The only thing we’re talking about with Gold Coast and Carlton is who they’re going to get with picks one and two.
“It’s embarrassing for the competition that they’re dead weight. They shouldn’t have to be and Carlton don’t deserve to have pick one for being repeatedly poor.
“They should have to fight tooth and nail with the five sides above them to give themselves the best opportunity.”
Listen to tonight's edition of Time On with Sam McClure in the player below