Kane Cornes in thrilled about the AFL introducing a wildcard weekend. He thinks this new format opens up awesome doors for the teams and fans to experience. In a recent interview with 7NEWS, Cornes shared his conviction that the new design would liven up the league. He believes it will create additional intrigue for squads jockeying to make the finals.
So much still to be determined as the wildcard weekend fast approaches. This new and exciting process allows teams just outside the top eight to have a chance at playoff contention before the official finals begin. Cornes noted that this change provides optimism and incentive to clubs and fans whose teams would otherwise be feeling their season is done. He remarked, “What it does is it provides opportunity and more games of consequence. Fans love finals and they love games of consequence.”
Nothing compares to the excitement surrounding that first wildcard weekend, it’s electric. Others, including critics in Brown’s own party, counter that the ruling pats mediocrity on the back. Speaking on the initiative, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon claimed that it promotes more competitiveness across the entire season. Cornes agreed with Dillon’s assertion. I don’t think it rewards mediocrity,” he said, emphasizing that teams still need to show they can compete and get to the second round of the playoffs.
Aside from ranking teams, Cornes reiterated the value of finishing in the top six during the regular season. He noted that teams not in this bracket become just ridiculously at risk. Particularly important, he noted, is that ending up in the top six offers vital advantages, most notably a week off before the finals even start. He affirmed, “Top six is absolutely vital.”
For Cornes, the expanded chances for clubs is welcome. All is not lost, he explained, because wildcard weekend games should never be treated as finals. “It shouldn’t count as a final game — the finals start the week after when the top eight is set,” he stated.
The former player believes that the wildcard weekend will ultimately enhance viewer engagement and maintain excitement throughout the latter part of the season. He added, “By the time it rolls around, everybody is going to be on board with it. So they’ll be watching to see how this all plays out. The additional contention that allows more teams to extend their seasons deeper is fantastic news for the home-and-away format.
