AFL boss Gillon McLachlan yet to hear a good argument against pre-finals bye
Herald Sun
September 1, 2016 2:13pm
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has defended the decision to stage a bye week before
the finals, saying it will allow fans to see players at peak fitness.
The AFL announced last October that the competition would take a break before
September footy to discourage finals-bound teams from resting players in the
last round of the regular season.
FREE WEEKEND: FIVE EVENTS TO MAKE YOU FORGET THERE’S NO FOOTY
However, the move has sparked some criticism, with Geelong coach Brad Scott
saying he’d prefer not to have the week off.
But McLachlan told Triple M Radio there haven’t been any clear arguments as to
why it’s a bad call.
“I know there are a lot of people who have said they don’t like it. I’m not
sure I’ve had clear articulation why,” he said.
“I’m certainly hearing that from the clubs that are actually getting some
players back and they’re going to be fresh.
“Ticket sales have been strong, we get to celebrate the All-Australians
properly, community footy is going to be on, on the weekend.
“We brought it in to deal with this integrity issue. We thought there was
upside in it and we’ll see.”
Gillon McLachlan carries the premiership cup to the AFL finals launch. Picture:
Wayne Ludbey
Sydney Swans assistant coach Nick Davis says the bye round gives the minor
premier a chance for key players to recover before next Saturday’s cross-town
blockbuster against the Giants.
“It’s a good opportunity if they’re a little bit busted up to get that fixed,
or if they want to put a bit more in they can do that too,” he said.
Davis, part of the club’s 2005 premiership-winning side, was confident the
break wouldn’t curtail the Swans’ momentum. Sydney is riding a six-game winning
streak.
“Confidence and having a healthy list is really important and at the moment
this team has that,” Davis said
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