David Harding
Cain LynchTSL finals structure questioned
August 13th 2010 07:55
Sourced: The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
by JAMES BRESNEHAN
AFL Tasmania has been forced to defend its new five-week State League finals even before the last round of roster matches are played this weekend.
The TSL finals series was increased from four weeks last season to five this year, but Glenorchy coach Ben Reid feels it might be too much and North Hobart key forward Paul Allison said it should be reviewed.
Speaking yesterday ahead of their round 18 clash at KGV tomorrow, it was the one subject on which Reid and Allison could agree.
"Personally, it was better left as it was. The extra week is a bit excessive," Reid said.
Allison only became aware of the five-week finals format a few weeks ago.
"It did seem a bit strange when somebody explained it to me, how it operates," Allison said.
"It's a tough ask for a side to come through all five weeks. It should probably be looked at and changed."
AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said the finals were increased to five weeks at the behest of the clubs.
"The clubs felt, and we agreed with them, that the four-week structure of a final six competition was unfair on the third and fourth-placed teams," Wade said.
"Last year in the first week of finals, the teams that finished first and second had the week off, while third played sixth and fourth played fifth in elimination finals.
"That meant third and fourth could have been eliminated in the first week of finals."
The 10 clubs felt that was unfair and AFL Tasmania agreed.
"The only way around it was to add an extra week, whereby there is only one elimination a week," Wade said.
"That gives a distinct advantage to the top two teams.
"There's also a good advantage to third and fourth, because they both get a double chance."
The five-week series gives each region the chance to host a final.
"There is a desire from AFL Tasmania to play at least one finals game in each region if possible, and the extra week gives us a better capacity to be able to do that," Wade said.
Wade said clubs should reserve judgment on the finals series until after it happens.
"We haven't even played it yet, but it will be one of many areas we will review at the end of the season," Wade said.
Wade described it as an unusual system.
"For example, this year you could get Clarence and Launceston play each other three times if they both get to the grand final," he said.
Reid doubted the same two sides playing three times in five weeks would be good entertainment.
"I don't know if people want to see the same sides playing every second week. Time will tell, and the crowds will vote with their feet," he said.
by JAMES BRESNEHAN
AFL Tasmania has been forced to defend its new five-week State League finals even before the last round of roster matches are played this weekend.
The TSL finals series was increased from four weeks last season to five this year, but Glenorchy coach Ben Reid feels it might be too much and North Hobart key forward Paul Allison said it should be reviewed.
Speaking yesterday ahead of their round 18 clash at KGV tomorrow, it was the one subject on which Reid and Allison could agree.
"Personally, it was better left as it was. The extra week is a bit excessive," Reid said.
Allison only became aware of the five-week finals format a few weeks ago.
"It did seem a bit strange when somebody explained it to me, how it operates," Allison said.
"It's a tough ask for a side to come through all five weeks. It should probably be looked at and changed."
AFL Tasmania general manager Scott Wade said the finals were increased to five weeks at the behest of the clubs.
"The clubs felt, and we agreed with them, that the four-week structure of a final six competition was unfair on the third and fourth-placed teams," Wade said.
"Last year in the first week of finals, the teams that finished first and second had the week off, while third played sixth and fourth played fifth in elimination finals.
"That meant third and fourth could have been eliminated in the first week of finals."
The 10 clubs felt that was unfair and AFL Tasmania agreed.
"The only way around it was to add an extra week, whereby there is only one elimination a week," Wade said.
"That gives a distinct advantage to the top two teams.
"There's also a good advantage to third and fourth, because they both get a double chance."
The five-week series gives each region the chance to host a final.
"There is a desire from AFL Tasmania to play at least one finals game in each region if possible, and the extra week gives us a better capacity to be able to do that," Wade said.
Wade said clubs should reserve judgment on the finals series until after it happens.
"We haven't even played it yet, but it will be one of many areas we will review at the end of the season," Wade said.
Wade described it as an unusual system.
"For example, this year you could get Clarence and Launceston play each other three times if they both get to the grand final," he said.
Reid doubted the same two sides playing three times in five weeks would be good entertainment.
"I don't know if people want to see the same sides playing every second week. Time will tell, and the crowds will vote with their feet," he said.
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