Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon has labelled the decision to put the Qualifying Final between Richmond and Hawthorn on Thursday night as “staggering”.
The decision, which has been criticised by both supporter bases, was seen as a leftfield move as many expected West Coast versus Collingwood to kick of the first week of finals.
“They’re on Thursday night. That’s staggering,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“Richmond and Hawthorn on a school night. What about those in the country that’ve got to get back for school?
AFL WEEK ONE FINALS SCHEDULE HERE
“If you’re a Richmond or Hawthorn supporter, you’re thinking what the hell? The Tigers finished on top, they should have the prime picking.”
Richmond and Hawthorn’s VFL sides will play on Saturday afternoon this week, which means both teams will have to manage the workloads of players in consideration.
“Their VFL sides play on the Saturday, they’ve now got a five-day break and a very short turnaround if they want to put one of those blokes up,” Lyon said.
What do you think?
Should Richmond/Hawthorn be on the Thursday night? #AFLFinals @SENBreakfast
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) August 26, 2018