It seems to me that the Super 8 system being used in the Cricket World Cup could be applied to the AFL to iron out some of the inequities in the competition - especially the fixture.

Here's how my proposal would work:-

Rounds 1 to 15 - a fixture in which all 16 teams play against each other.

After fifteen rounds the top eight move into a Super 8 competition where they take only the scores and premiership points earned against fellow Super 8 teams. The clubs have a week's break and a new fixture is worked out whereby the Super 8 teams play each other once and the top 5 teams then move into a finals competition along the lines of the final fives in the 70's and '80's.

Similarly with the bottom eight which move into their own competition and play against each other for a further seven rounds.

Under this system, it's fairer on the clubs and the luck of the draw is minimised.

It's also fairer in terms of teams getting priority picks because all of the weaker sides play each other twice.

I think a super 8 system only works when it's a Championship of some type that's played every few years only.

I think a super 8 system in AFL would not benefit spectators. Those teams in the bottom 8 can't make the finals in the last 7 rounds, which makes it frustrating to watch. What's the incentive for spectators to go watch their team? Where as at the moment, if you're out of the top 8 by a game or two, the lead up to the finals is more exciting.

I haven't got a solution for a fairer draw etc, but I think for a H&A season which is played every year, a Super 8 system won't work.

for the bottom 8 clubs, add the "prize" of their best team to get the no1 draft pick, or a top 3 pick ect

since the lesser clubs these days seem content with harvesting picks, the hawthorns, carlton, collingwood ect will enjoy the chance to get more 1st round picks

there is no way in the world the afl could work with this super 8 thing just not happening...

The NSL tried this one year and it bombed out badly. The more popular teams missed the finals and lost a bucket more money than usual!

No thanks.

ahhhhhhhh no

Defnitely would not work

It would probably never happen but here's a go at it:

THE FATTY SYSTEM

Stage1

All teams play each other once

Stage2

The teams are then split into two groups, Top8 & Bot8 and play each other once within each group. No points or percentage are carried through from Stage1

Stage3

At the end of the seven games, there's a repercharge round:

7th vs 10th

8th vs 9th

The two winners go through to the final 8 with the higher ranking team filling 7th position.

Stage4

Final 8 as per the current system

PROS

More blockbuster Top8 games in Stage2

Less incentive for Bot8 teams to "Tank".

CONS

More "dud" Bot8 games.

Home ground advantage is critical in Stage1

Too radical - resistance to change.

And we could always replay games on another day when it rains.

wont work. Good point about followers having no motivation to watch bottom sides.