Scheduling

[hammo]

Given the AFL is prepared to manipulate all other aspects of the draw, why do the teams playing in the second half of the split round such as the Swans have to play their following match against teams coming off a week's break?

The exceptions are Collingwood (surprise, surprise) and Fremantle who meet in round 13 after both playing this weekend.

Surely it wouldn't be hard to ensure the 6 teams playing this weekend all play each other next weekend to remove this unfair advantage.

Playing the Crows in Adelaide is hard enough, let alone giving the Crows 2 weeks off to freshen up beforehand.

[Legs Akimbo]

I totally agree. Playing in the second week of a split round is a disadvantage unless they balance it as you suggest. But then, look at the draw overall, it is a complete train wreck, so what chance they could they get this right.

[goswannie14]

I agree and have been saying that for a few years now (well at least since more than one game was in the second week of the split round). I know at times I go back to VFL days, but in the old days of a split round (3 games Sat and 3 Monday on Queens birthday for example) the teams that played on saturday all played each other the next week. It isn't hard, but then common sense isn't one of the Fat Controllers strong points.

[reigning premier]

Then again..... Some say the week off break's your momentum. Perhaps it's a disadvantage to have the week off and then play a team who hasn't?