Eddie's Bold Plan for 20 Team Comp

[Chook 15,022]

I was excited to hear Eddie Betts' bold plan. You can imagine my disappointment… 

[Pates 9,660]

Alright, not a bad plan. I don’t like Eddie but when he gives something some thought and passion he can get things moving. But speaking of put up or shut up, maybe he should put his hand up for a board member (or even president) role. 

The break down of his ideas with my thoughts 

Roofed stadium - 100% and see if you can get Cricket Australia in on the party. No more cricket called off for bad weather down there. 

Money and commitments - I totally agree that if they want to get into the competition they should be committing to providing something right now in both money and players. There should be a pathway set up (perhaps state sponsored academy opportunities with Vic clubs). 

One club commits to being the team that keeps footy there - definitely. No more shared duties with North/Hawks, and stop sending low key matches there. There needs to be a Essendon vs Carlton or Hawks vs Pies that gets the town buzzing. 

20th team in North QLD/NT - bold but not against it. My concern would be can the AFL afford to support another club that could be a drain. That said we would be truly the National game, it’s a good statement to have. A third SA/WA team would be the safer bet. 

20 rounds - play each other once. Yes to this for sure. Flip flop the draw so there’s no fixing it, play each other once at home one year, away the next. No more sending us to KP every year  

Final 12 - hell no. Rewarding mediocrity. Maybe do a final 9 that has 8th vs 9th play an elimination wildcard game in the finals bye week. 

Perhaps to add another bold element, reduce the players out onto the field down to 16 with 4 on the bench. We can then make list sizes a little more compact therefor not stretching the talent pool as much. 

Some interest thoughts from Eddie though, I’m not sold but if Tassie is to come into the comp it needs to be better than just being a top up club. There has to be buy in from Tasmania to make it an attractive club to play for.