Back to the future

[darkhorse72 1,906]

Wow in an amazing decision the AFL is looking to bring back the curtain riser game, but cited the english premier league as where they took it.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-curtain-call-for-champions-league/story-e6frf9jf-1225954108304

What a joke, considering the number of games that used to be played before the old VFL matches, it was great to get there early and watch potential new stars and the young boys battling away. I know this is a little different, but the ideal isn't new even for aussie rules.

[GOLF 13]

Wow in an amazing decision the AFL is looking to bring back the curtain riser game, but cited the english premier league as where they took it.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-curtain-call-for-champions-league/story-e6frf9jf-1225954108304

What a joke, considering the number of games that used to be played before the old VFL matches, it was great to get there early and watch potential new stars and the young boys battling away. I know this is a little different, but the ideal isn't new even for aussie rules.

And then maybe add a TAC cup game as well. With a slight change to age elibility, they could call it an "under nineteen" game.

[Gooner 9]

Fantastic idea

Gives the VFL more exposure and means that if you finish 3rd or 4th you still achieve something.

[Inner Demon 1]

I think you'll find the idea of the knockout comp featuring teams from the lower leagues is the idea that's been taken from English soccer, namely the FA Cup format. They're not suggesting the curtain raiser portion of the idea has English influence.

On the topic, I love this idea. I would definitely get there early to watch a VFL team take on a SANFL team. Obviously it would be endlessly better if the VFL team happened to be Casey.

[Gooner 9]

It's similar to the Champions League, which is the top teams from each country.

For example, it's the top four English/Italian and Spanish sides, the top three French and German sides, the top two Portugese/Dutch etc

It includes group stages and then a knockout format for the final sixteen.

The FA Cup is a knockout competition that includes all teams in England regardless of division.

The only problem with this is how would it influence the VFL, WAFL etc? Would the top teams drop out for a year? How would they qualify the following year?