Richmond vice-captain Jack Riewoldt would support the scrapping of the pre-finals bye, with the week off moving before the Grand Final.
This comes following the AFL’s new 12-day concussion protocols. Adelaide captain Chelsea Randall will miss the AFLW Grand Final because of them, but a bye week would ensure no player misses the game in the protocols.
Riewoldt believes the bye week could be filled with content to keep the season’s momentum going, including the Brownlow Medal and a State of Origin game.
“I’m massive believer of getting rid of the pre-finals bye and bringing it in before the Grand Final,” he told Fox Footy.
“Can you imagine giving the Brownlow Medal on a Saturday night, giving it clear air for a whole week?
“Building it up, maybe having a State of Origin game because everyone has hung around… I think it would be fantastic.”
The AFL has frequently reinforced their support for the pre-finals bye, despite it seemingly reducing the advantage of those who win a Qualifying Final and host a Prelim.
In 2020, both Port Adelaide and Brisbane were knocked out on their home turf on the eve of the Grand Final.