Andrew Dillon has confirmed that despite varied reaction to the new AFL wildcard round, the two elimination matches will be classified as finals fixtures.
The AFL chief executive has caused a stir in recent months by stating teams which win a wildcard game should consider the result a “finals win”.
It was that comment that sparked mixed reaction online about the new concept, with many greats of the games and current players insisting the matches are not a final.
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The wildcard fixture will take place during the pre-finals bye weekend, with four teams facing off in an elimination battle to secure a spot in the traditional finals draw.
One of those matches will see the team which finishes seventh at the end of the regular season take on 10th place, while eighth and ninth will face off in the second wildcard match.
The winners of those two matches will then secure spots in the eight-team finals draw, with the higher-ranked victor claiming seventh place.
As each game is an elimination match, it could mean fans witness a team which finished clear inside the top eight fall out of the finals fixture due to that one game.
Dillon acknowledged there is a possibility that could occur, but he reiterated the concept was formed to establish more meaningful games towards the season’s end.
“With change, it takes time to adapt,” he told Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.
“But what we are doing is trying to provide hope for fans with games of consequence. It may happen, it may not, but regardless, I think there will be feedback.”
Andrew Dillon speaks about the AFL wildcard round on Triple M. Triple M
Nick Riewoldt, who was co-hosting the show when Dillon was on, said he did not believe the wildcard games should be considered finals.
He then questioned Dillon for an exact classification of the round.
“The wildcard games will be wildcard finals,” Dillon replied.
Riewoldt said: “Boo, not a fan. I like wildcard, but it’s for a starting spot in the finals.”
The AFL’s Opening Round will begin next Thursday night, when Sydney hosts Carlton at the SCG.