Clarkson makes feelings known on in-season tournament
The in-season tournament is being strongly considered by league heavyweights to add more intrigue to what could otherwise be considered a lacklustre part of the campaign.
As it stands, only nine of the 18 teams are legitimately in the race for a top-eight finals berth.
Sydney, who sit in 10th spot with a 7-9 record, are three wins and percentage adrift of eighth position and would likely need to win their remaining seven games to reach the finals.
If an in-season tournament is introduced, it would likely come following the arrival of Tasmania in 2028.
The home-and-away campaign would be cut to just one match-up between each team (19 games per club), alongside a potential rivalry round and Gather Round.
The in-season tournament would then make up the numbers to ensure the current length of the campaign isn't reduced.
Games in the in-season tournament would count as normal in the race for the top eight.
The concept has received mixed reaction and Clarkson thinks there are more important things to fix first.
"It's probably a topic just because there's commentary around, 'is the eight or nine set already' and last week's games, top nine versus the bottom nine," Clarkson said on Thursday.
"It's easy commentary to have, but it's just probably a moment in time thing.
"I think we've probably got to get the overall equality of the draw focused on more so than the mid-season tournament.
"If we ever get to 20 teams, we've got a whole heap of flexibility of what we can do.
"You can make it four divisions of five or two conferences of 10. You can do a lot of really special things with the game.
"In the meantime, while it's 18 and then in a couple of years time 19 - pretty awkward numbers."
Trying to reduce the extensive travel loads of WA-based clubs West Coast and Fremantle have become a bigger talking point this year.
North Melbourne's deal to sell two games a season to WA over the next three years has given the Eagles and Dockers an extra game in their home state, but both clubs want further concessions to even up the travel load.
The Kangaroos (4-11-1) will be back in action on Sunday when they take on fellow strugglers Melbourne (5-11) at the MCG.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has urged the AFL to focus more on equalising the draw rather than introducing an NBA-style in-season tournament.
The in-season tournament is being strongly considered by league heavyweights to add more intrigue to what could otherwise be considered a lacklustre part of the campaign.
As it stands, only nine of the 18 teams are legitimately in the race for a top-eight finals berth.
Sydney, who sit in 10th spot with a 7-9 record, are three wins and percentage adrift of eighth position and would likely need to win their remaining seven games to reach the finals.
If an in-season tournament is introduced, it would likely come following the arrival of Tasmania in 2028.
The home-and-away campaign would be cut to just one match-up between each team (19 games per club), alongside a potential rivalry round and Gather Round.
The in-season tournament would then make up the numbers to ensure the current length of the campaign isn't reduced.
Games in the in-season tournament would count as normal in the race for the top eight.
The concept has received mixed reaction and Clarkson thinks there are more important things to fix first.
"It's probably a topic just because there's commentary around, 'is the eight or nine set already' and last week's games, top nine versus the bottom nine," Clarkson said on Thursday.
"It's easy commentary to have, but it's just probably a moment in time thing.
"I think we've probably got to get the overall equality of the draw focused on more so than the mid-season tournament.
"If we ever get to 20 teams, we've got a whole heap of flexibility of what we can do.
"You can make it four divisions of five or two conferences of 10. You can do a lot of really special things with the game.
"In the meantime, while it's 18 and then in a couple of years time 19 - pretty awkward numbers."
Trying to reduce the extensive travel loads of WA-based clubs West Coast and Fremantle have become a bigger talking point this year.
North Melbourne's deal to sell two games a season to WA over the next three years has given the Eagles and Dockers an extra game in their home state, but both clubs want further concessions to even up the travel load.
The Kangaroos (4-11-1) will be back in action on Sunday when they take on fellow strugglers Melbourne (5-11) at the MCG.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has urged the AFL to focus more on equalising the draw rather than introducing an NBA-style in-season tournament.
The in-season tournament is being strongly considered by league heavyweights to add more intrigue to what could otherwise be considered a lacklustre part of the campaign.
As it stands, only nine of the 18 teams are legitimately in the race for a top-eight finals berth.
Sydney, who sit in 10th spot with a 7-9 record, are three wins and percentage adrift of eighth position and would likely need to win their remaining seven games to reach the finals.
If an in-season tournament is introduced, it would likely come following the arrival of Tasmania in 2028.
The home-and-away campaign would be cut to just one match-up between each team (19 games per club), alongside a potential rivalry round and Gather Round.
The in-season tournament would then make up the numbers to ensure the current length of the campaign isn't reduced.
Games in the in-season tournament would count as normal in the race for the top eight.
The concept has received mixed reaction and Clarkson thinks there are more important things to fix first.
"It's probably a topic just because there's commentary around, 'is the eight or nine set already' and last week's games, top nine versus the bottom nine," Clarkson said on Thursday.
"It's easy commentary to have, but it's just probably a moment in time thing.
"I think we've probably got to get the overall equality of the draw focused on more so than the mid-season tournament.
"If we ever get to 20 teams, we've got a whole heap of flexibility of what we can do.
"You can make it four divisions of five or two conferences of 10. You can do a lot of really special things with the game.
"In the meantime, while it's 18 and then in a couple of years time 19 - pretty awkward numbers."
Trying to reduce the extensive travel loads of WA-based clubs West Coast and Fremantle have become a bigger talking point this year.
North Melbourne's deal to sell two games a season to WA over the next three years has given the Eagles and Dockers an extra game in their home state, but both clubs want further concessions to even up the travel load.
The Kangaroos (4-11-1) will be back in action on Sunday when they take on fellow strugglers Melbourne (5-11) at the MCG.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
an hour ago
- 7NEWS
Levi Ashcroft coming home strong in race with Dan Curtin and Murphy Reid for Rising Star
Levi Ashcroft is 'all over' his competitors in the race for the AFL's Rising Star award this year. That's according to The Agenda Setters ' Caroline Wilson, who says the Brisbane youngster should be the clear favourite with two weeks left in the season. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today In one of the most tightly contested Rising Star fields in years, Ashcroft sits third favourite with the bookmakers behind Adelaide utility Dan Curtin and Fremantle forward Murphy Reid. He had been the outright favourite for most of the year until a recent burst of form from Curtin and later Reid. Essendon rebounder Archie Roberts, Melbourne midfield bull Harvey Langford and Geelong defender Connor O'Sullivan are the other contenders for the gong. Ashcroft has slipped seamlessly into the 23 of the reigning premiers and has not missed a game since debuting in Opening Round, but has been made to play out of his natural position. The 18-year-old was arguably the best inside midfielder in the draft last year, but has had to learn his craft as a winger for the Lions, with the likes of Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage and his brother Will Ashcroft all ahead of him in the midfield queue. Stream The Agenda Setters for free, live or on-demand, anytime at 7plus With Neale out last Saturday against Sydney, Ashcroft — albeit still mostly playing on the wing — was able to step up and shine with 27 disposals and a goal. 'He got a go against Sydney on the weekend — I thought he was fabulous,' Wilson said of Ashcroft on Tuesday night. 'I think his evenness as a first-year player — it's better than Curtin, it's better than Reid. 'And remember, his brother was pretty hardly done-by (with injury) two years ago, not winning it. 'I think Levi is the standout. 'Curtin and Reid have probably had better, more spectacular games. But in terms of consistency, Levi's all over them. 'I think he's hurt by the fact his name's Ashcroft.' Until Round 14, Curtin was averaging just 10.9 disposals and 0.3 goals per game. Since then, he's averaged 18.7 touches and 0.7 goals. It's an undeniable spike in form from the 197cm second-year player — but Ashcroft has averaged 20.0 touches for the entire year, kicked one more goal than Curtin, and has had 12 games of 20 disposals or more. Curtin has had five. Curtin has had fewer than 10 touches in a game seven times. Ashcroft hasn't gone under 11 once. 'We were hardly talking about Curtin at Round 10; we've been talking about Levi the whole time,' Luke Hodge said. As a small forward, Reid is a different prospect for the award, and should be compared differently. He's only had one game of 20 disposals or more, but has kicked 22 goals and had 19 direct assists, including two games with four-goal hauls.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Christian Petracca slammed as damning act exposed during loss to Western Bulldogs
Demons superstar Christian Petracca has been slammed for his poor body language as rumours swirl that he is plotting an exit. Just five days after Melbourne axed premiership coach Simon Goodwin, the Demons fell by six points to the Western Bulldogs. It was an incredible effort given the tumultuous time at the club, but concerning vision of club leader Petracca exposed a damning truth. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. On two separate occasions, the midfielder was seen flapping his arms about after not receiving the ball and even looked genuinely disappointed when he was overlooked for another option that worked out. It led to AFL great Luke Hodge launching a scathing attack on the Demons star on Tuesday night, stating Petracca has made it clear that he is more concerned with his own stats than what is best for the team. 'You've got Christian Petracca here letting him (Langford) know … he's put the arms up, he hasn't followed in. But the worst part is what comes after,' the three-time premiership skipper said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters. 'That results in a goal. Yes, he is bypassed, lets him know, lets everyone know. But where's the reaction? Do you go to the young kid and say, 'Hey, good kick to the top of the goalsquare?' 'Do you go down to Kozzy Pickett, pat him on the back, or do you walk around? He's not going to anyone, he hasn't clapped, hasn't looked across at Langford, who didn't pass it to him, didn't say anything, (he just) turned around. 'That's a person who's worried about his own stats. So if you're looking as a coach coming into this Melbourne football club, the first thing I'll be doing is getting to the leaders and saying play like leaders, react like leaders, and support your younger teammates.' On another occasion, Petracca gave his teammates a gobfull after being closely marked inside the forward 50. After not receiving the ball, Petracca threw his head back and looked genuinely furious. His body language has only fuelled speculation that he is searching for an exit as a rift in the playing group following the sacking of Goodwin becomes clear. The 2021 Norm Smith Medallist appears to be on the lookout for a new club, with several potential destinations emerging for the star midfielder. Hawthorn appears to be the obvious new home for Petracca if he wants the exit bad enough. The Hawks desperately need another goalkicking midfielder, and their attempts to poach Harley Reid out of West Coast are expected to fall short. While Melbourne needs a key forward desperately, and the Hawks have no shortage of them, making a swap deal very feasible. Hawthorn has Mabior Chol, Mitch Lewis, Calsher Dear and Jack Gunston all fighting for three places, and it would make sense for one to give way, especially if it results in them snaring Petracca. Collingwood and Carlton, who both voiced interest in Petracca at the end of last season, also could provide the 29-year-old with an exit plan. But Hodge says, regardless of whether or not he is there next year, Petracca needs to fix his attitude. 'Maybe he may not be there (next year). (But) Wherever he goes, his body language needs to get better,' Hodge continued. 'It's not all about him. It's about the team and how the team is moving forward.' However, it isn't just Petracca who could be itching to leave following Goodwin's exit. Speculation about the playing futures of Bayley Fritsch and Judd McVee is still rife, and they may try to follow Petracca out the door. While the future of captain Max Gawn is also up in the air, with the veteran big seeing Goodwin as a father figure, and he is understood to be furious with the club's decision to sack him. In the meantime, the Demons will face the Hawks on Saturday afternoon, in a clash sure to provide plenty of fireworks.
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
War Eternal and Highlights to line up Saturday as Bjorn Baker looks to Winx Stakes with top seeds
Trainer Bjorn Baker will rely on War Eternal and Highlights in Saturday's $200,000 Spring Preview (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens with heavyweights Arapaho and Robusto both on a collision course for next week's Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m). Baker, who is in Europe, nominated five horses for the spring tune-up with Group 1 Sydney Cup hero Arapaho – allocated a monster topweight of 65kg – a surprise addition to nominations. But if everything goes to plan, the smart stayer will line up over 1000m on Friday morning in a rescheduled Rosehill barrier trial before focusing on the Winx. Group 2 winning stablemate Robusto was down to run in last Saturday's Group 2 Missile Stakes but will now head straight to Saturday week's Winx Stakes after being lumped with 62.5kg in the Spring Preview. ' Highlights and War Eternal will go to the Spring Preview and while we were keen to run Robusto, we didn't expect him to get that much weight,' Baker's racing manager Luke Hilton said. 'With us wanting to back-up and run him in the Winx Stakes, to run him there with 62.5kg on a heavy track especially over 1400m and then back him up a week later (would have been too much). 'The Missile over 1200m would have been ideal leading in but unfortunately that didn't pan out. 'It's (the Spring Preview) a bit of a back up option for Arapaho just to see what happens but the plan is to trial him on Friday.' • Adelaide River out as Lees prays for smooth Sailing at Kensington Group 3 -winning stayer Our Anchorage was also nominated for the Spring Preview but will kick off his campaign in Thursday week's Listed $200,000 Rowley Mile (1600m) at Hawkesbury. It leaves War Eternal and Highlights to fly the flag for the Baker stable in the Spring Preview with both horses poised to make their presence felt third-up from a break. 'War Eternal has been crying out for the 1400m and is ready to peak. He has a great third-up record as well and so does Highlights,' Hilton said. The Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) will take centre stage the following week at Royal Randwick with Robusto ($26) and Arapaho ($51) both outside chances to give Baker his second victory in the feature. A robust win to Robusto! A thrilling battle in the Listed Winter Challenge, with the @BBakerRacing galloper victorious! â›'ï¸� @JoshuaParr8 @Darby_Racing @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 19, 2025 Meanwhile, nominations were extended for the Listed $200,000 The Rosebud (1100m) on Saturday's card with three new entries entered. The Annabel and Rob Archibald -trained Peleus ($26) as well as Kris Lees duo Cantiamo and Wisnierska ($34) joined the nominations. Cantiamo was installed as a $6 chance in betting for but Lees said it was highly unlikely she would run with the filly set to return at Randwick Kensington on Wednesday, provided there was no overnight rain.
