codesports.com.au/afl/return-of-the-big-v-vflsanfl-clash-could-be-scheduled-as-part-of-next-years-afl-gather-round/news-story/aad759e9956c26d34f0f45d2321060e0
Article from CODE Sports today regarding a potential VFL vs SANFL game next year as well as fixturing news for the VFL. Key points for those without a subscription:
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VFL vs SANFL clash in the works as part of AFL's Gather Round.
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Only VFL-listed will be eligible for selection.
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VFL season to have four byes including the state game.
Good to see the new AFL regime taking interest in the VFL and making it a little fairer, in stark contrast to Gilligan who was happy to do nothing and let it rot away...
It's a step in the right direction for sure. The VFL is an inherently lopsided competition, so I'm glad that at least something is being done to make it a little more equitable. Hopefully it allows Coburg and the Bullants to take something out of next season, and gives Frankston a chance to build on our momentum despite the players we've lost.
Andrew Dillon is a big supporter of the VFL i've been reliably informed
The fixture relief we're getting next season (after a previous trend of the AFL not caring how fixturing affects us) had me wondering if this was something he pushed for. Hopefully a sign of improvements coming in for our league.
Yeah Dillon honestly wants to make the VFL the best domestic comp in Australia - hope that becomes reality with a bit of promotion and funding and better decision-making around fixturing
I hear we are still looking at 3 or 4 byes during the season. Not great, but agree that some of the announced changes do seem like a positive move for the competition.
Let's hope we actually get a complete fixture, and released close to Christmas so that supporters can try and book in interstate travel.
Very much hoping for a fixture to be releaaed sooner rather than later, especially knowing that it's already being worked on and that certain things have been finalised.
I wish they would cut down on the number of byes and make it a 20-game season, but since they never had every team play each other I'm fine with the fixture changes. Glad to see they are at least trying something to address the lopsided nature of the competition.
Agree with you Up the Dolphins, a season where we just play every club once, and reduce the byes will add a bit more credence to the comp.
Either that or move to a two-division structure where everyone can play each other twice. The current VFL is getting unwieldy as it is and when Tasmania enter, you could split it into two divisions of 11 teams and bring each division to a similar size as most other state leagues.
Port Adelaide Magpies have applied to join the VFL in 2024, according to VFL Rewind on Facebook - interesting development