Clubs stand firm after AFL's controversial finals memo
The AFL warns clubs they risk being sanctioned should they rest players in round 24, but several coaches say they will not be paying attention to the memo.
Melbourne coach Steven King has reiterated his stance on player rest, asserting that any decision prioritizing his club's best interests is acceptable, despite AFL warnings. AFL chief Greg Swann has sent a memo to clubs cautioning them that the league will closely examine team selections ahead of the finals. The introduction of the wildcard round, where teams ranked seventh to 10th will have no off week between round 24 and the start of finals, has not been well-received by coaches.
Clubs face sanctions if they make significant changes for their games in round 24. Although the AFL has historically granted top-eight teams a pre-finals bye since 2016, the finals system is now effectively a top-10 due to the wildcard weekend. Consequently, clubs ranked seventh to 10th will have to play the following week. The top-six teams will rest before their respective qualifying and elimination finals, commencing on September 3.
The Western Bulldogs, likely to be in the wildcard bracket, face a decision on player rest for coach Luke Beveridge. King, making his debut as Melbourne coach, is also uncertain about the AFL's directive, emphasizing his right to make decisions he believes are best for his team. Fremantle's decision to make 10 changes for their final home-and-away game in 2013, resulting in a loss to St Kilda, and their subsequent victory in the qualifying final against Geelong, serves as a cautionary tale.
In 2015, North Melbourne rested nine players ahead of a finals campaign, which ultimately led to their victory in the elimination final and semi-final.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
