“There’s a lot to be liked about it”: Andrew Dillon backs the pre-finals bye to remain long-term

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon remains a strong advocate for the pre-finals bye, stating it benefits the game in more ways than one.

The pre-finals bye was introduced in 2016, sparking frustrations that the top four have lost some of their well-earned benefits.

Now, all top eight teams are given a week off before the first week of finals, which Dillon believes allows for a fair chance across the board in September.

“It has been really good for the game,” Dillon said on SEN Breakfast.

“Ultimately, if we’re going to have a top eight then all teams should have the chance to make it through.

“The pre-finals bye has evened it up. It may have diminished the advantages of the top four slightly, but if you can get your way through from the bottom part of the eight, it keeps the hope alive.

“The way the crowds have also flocked to the finals in the last 10 years, it’s all part of it.

“Even for teams that make finals and lose in the first week, they had the chance of getting to the end of the home-and-away and reset.

“There’s a lot to be liked about it.”

Dillon also responded to the swirling idea of a potential wildcard round, which would see teams from outside the eight possibly compete for a spot in the finals.

While it has been reported that the AFL is keen to introduce it, the AFL CEO revealed that it is unlikely in the next few years.

“The final eight has served us well, I think we are in a really good spot with the competition at the moment,” Dillion said.

“We have to continue to assess, but it would seem a natural time to at least assess with 19 teams in depth.”

The current finals system has remained unchanged since 1994.

Tasmania will become the AFL's 19th team when they join the competition before the end of the decade.