It began in 2016 to stop key AFL players being rested in the final round. Now everyone, including fans and their TV remotes, must endure a period of enforced idleness.
It is now an Australian rite of spring. The Australian Football League’s season gallops along, building momentum. Experts analyse all possible outcomes, focusing on a crucial question about contenders: “How will their game stack up in September?”Welcome to Limboland. The pre-finals bye. The eight teams in the running for this year’s flag have extended time off. Hostilities are suspended until next Thursday evening.
Collingwood coach Craig McCrae would prefer his boys weren’t waiting so long to play. But the AFL sells the bye as a reset. A chance for injured stars – cue Nick Daicos knee update – to recover and participate. A chance for AFLW players to have their moment in the spotlight. A chance to debate the composition of this year’s All-Australian team, which will never play a game.
Hence the bye, which has always felt like an over-reaction. Instead of a few players being rested, everyone, including fans and their TV remotes, must endure a period of enforced idleness. It’s a momentum-killer. Also unfair to top teams, which used to be rewarded with a week off if they won their first final. Now, all contenders get a break.
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