Round 10

If Norwood beat South, Central beat Sturt, West beat the Eagles and Glenelg beat North, all conceivable results, there will be a 3-win break between the 4th placed side and the 5th placed. That would be a very surprising scenario in what was predicted to be (and generally has been) a very even competition.

Another season where arguments for a reduction to a Top 4 could prosper again.

I understand the 'Cinderella' story of 5th position making an impact, but when was the last time a club in 5th place won the flag or even made it to the bid day?

I get that Australians love finals. But what's the point of having them if you basically allow all the teams to contest them? What's the incentive in trying? I'm not suggesting the SANFL does this, but a lot of competitions around our country are top heavy.

Flaggy, I hope those preditions come true

howthewestwaswon wrote:Another season where arguments for a reduction to a Top 4 could prosper again.

I understand the 'Cinderella' story of 5th position making an impact, but when was the last time a club in 5th place won the flag or even made it to the bid day?

I get that Australians love finals. But what's the point of having them if you basically allow all the teams to contest them? What's the incentive in trying? I'm not suggesting the SANFL does this, but a lot of competitions around our country are top heavy.

If the Eagles finish 5th they'd have to be a chance of going all the way. I appreciate what you're saying htwww but there's also an argument that the comp would lose a lot of its interest for many fans if the finals line up was basically settled by round 10.

howthewestwaswon wrote:I get that Australians love finals. But what's the point of having them if you basically allow all the teams to contest them? What's the incentive in trying? I'm not suggesting the SANFL does this, but a lot of competitions around our country are top heavy.

The NBL are notorious for top-heavy finals. I remember when they had a final 8 system for an 11 team competition