Why do we have to wait till last.

[hilairehinshelwood]

Rugby Union super 14 started a few weeks ago, there has already been 2 rounds of NRL, even formula 1 has started. Surely there is a case to start the home and away rounds much sooner. Replace the Nab cup with the real stuff, that allows 5 extra rounds, making a just acceptable half a year of home and away rounds instead of the measly 5 months.
This year we're waiting till April to see st kilda in melbourne.

Although 27 rounds still leaves an imbalance of being unable to play every team twice, maybe the draw could be factored that the top teams from the previous year only play the bottom teams once in the home away season to even the draw up. Or am i dreaming to expect any fairness from the AFL hierarchy.

Found myself watching both super 14 and NRL this weekend, i wonder how many new to australia or young kids turn to these sports as their main passion, simply because they start their seasons earlier.

[saintdooley]

no
keep it the way it is
who cares if we are last

[borderbarry]

When we have the 18 teams in the AFL, maybe it would be time to consider breaking it into two sectors of 9, each team playing the teams in its sector twice and the other sector once, which would make it a 25 match season.

[Milan Faletic]

When we have the 18 teams in the AFL, maybe it would be time to consider breaking it into two sectors of 9, each team playing the teams in its sector twice and the other sector once, which would make it a 25 match season.

Agree. I wouldn't have 5 extra games, that is over a month of football. Maybe 3 games would work.

[Saintersss]

You do realise that teams need to play practise matches before the season right? Well thats all the NAB cup is... practise matches. NAB cup or not, teams are still going to have 4-5 practise matches before the season starts, except that with the NAB cup we at least get to watch our team on T.V a bit earlier than when the season starts.

[rexy]

When we have the 18 teams in the AFL, maybe it would be time to consider breaking it into two sectors of 9, each team playing the teams in its sector twice and the other sector once, which would make it a 25 match season.

Good model I think Barry, 25 game season, shorter preseason and a system to who you play twice in the year.

[Bernard Shakey]

The AFL loves the NFL and I have no doubt a 2 conference system will appear in the next few years.

Not sure how they will divvy up the conferences.

[matrix]

f*** it
when theres 18 teams, play 36 rounds of footy and put 8 on the bench

[Armoooo]

Scrap the NAB cup and have just two practice matches before getting into the real thing.

In the 18 team competition there should be 26 rounds and fixtures should be set over 2 seasons meaning that over 2 years you play every team 3 times.

IMO conferences can not be allowed to be brought in, would be an absolute disgrace IMO...

[saint66au]

How many NAB Cup games get played in 30deg+ heat? Plenty

You cant play at the MCG until the end of March (current Round 1)

I'm not saying the NAB Cup is the perfect current solution but its not just as easy as saying "start the season 4 weeks early"

I dont want to be playing for 4 points in 36deg heat thanks very much

[jonesy]

They can cut the home and away season to 18 games and extend the finals series. Flog away for 22 rounds to try and reach the finals,then one bad week and you're out?

[kosifantutti23]

Found myself watching both super 14 and NRL this weekend, i wonder how many new to australia or young kids turn to these sports as their main passion, simply because they start their seasons earlier.

Have you seen the crowds at the NRL? I'd say not many

[plugger66]

In 2 years or even next year there will be no NAB cup but there will never be more than 24 rounds which will happen next year with 2 byes. The following year there will be 24 games. That will be the final total because of grounds. I think there will be a couple of intra clubs and a couple of organised praccy matches.

[hilairehinshelwood]

Australia's population is forecast to grow to 35 million, so i think there will be more than the 2 known extra franchises joining the AFL in coming years. A Tasmanian and a 3rd Perth team will make 20 and then i think you can look at having 2 divisons a premier and a second division.

How great to involve a whole meaning to so many extra fixtures if the last placed premier division team had to be relegated to the lower division. Also the prize of a finals series for the second division teams to fight it out to replace the relegated team would mean both divisions would be playing for finals. Also a division/league of 10 means 27 weeks fits nicely in that each team plays each other 3 times, allowing for a home and away series to last half a year, instead of the measly 5 months.
Cricket crowds can be easily housed at Junction Oval for the overlap of seasons and hot weather is a bit hit and miss, throughout the year in most capital cities.

[plugger66]

Australia's population is forecast to grow to 35 million, so i think there will be more than the 2 known extra franchises joining the AFL in coming years. A Tasmanian and a 3rd Perth team will make 20 and then i think you can look at having 2 divisons a premier and a second division.

How great to involve a whole meaning to so many extra fixtures if the last placed premier division team had to be relegated to the lower division. Also the prize of a finals series for the second division teams to fight it out to replace the relegated team would mean both divisions would be playing for finals. Also a division/league of 10 means 27 weeks fits nicely in that each team plays each other 3 times, allowing for a home and away series to last half a year, instead of the measly 5 months.
Cricket crowds can be easily housed at Junction Oval for the overlap of seasons and hot weather is a bit hit and miss, throughout the year in most capital cities.

There will never be a first and second division. This isnt English soccer. We may have 2 divisions but they will be equal.