AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon has introduced significant changes to the league's finals format, sparking widespread criticism among fans. The new structure replaces the traditional top eight with a top 10, featuring a "Wildcard Round" that allows the 10th-best team in the league to compete for a chance at the finals. This announcement, made over the weekend, has not been well received, with many fans expressing their discontent.

The concept of a Wildcard Round has been met with skepticism. Fans question the value of extending postseason opportunities to a team that finished in 10th place out of 18 teams. Many believe the change is more about generating excitement than enhancing the competition. Dillon's proposal follows the introduction of the "Opening Round," which has also faced criticism for disrupting the balance of the season.

This year, the Opening Round is expected to feature a match between St Kilda and Collingwood at the MCG, a decision influenced by Collingwood's request to avoid travel for their first game. Critics argue that such innovations lead to unintended consequences, raising questions about how much influence clubs can exert over scheduling.

The pre-finals bye, a fixture in the AFL calendar for nearly a decade, has been accepted by fans but is now seen as a gap that needs filling. Dillon stated that the goal is to create "more games of consequence" each season, but the underlying motive appears to be financial. More games translate to more ticket sales, increased television viewership, and larger broadcasting deals.

Next season, the AFL will kick off with a State of Origin match in February, followed by the Opening Round in early March. The league plans to maintain a continuous schedule of men's football until late September, leading directly into the trade period and the November draft. The AFLW season is also expected to run concurrently, although its timing has raised concerns about its growth and success.

Despite the backlash from fans regarding these changes, the AFL continues to dominate the sports landscape. The league's ability to capture public attention, even during the cricket season, highlights its strong presence in Australian sports culture. While fans may feel their loyalty is being tested, the AFL seems confident that attendance and viewership will remain strong, regardless of the changes made to the game they love. However, there is a growing sentiment that fans may only tolerate so much alteration before they feel disconnected from the sport they cherish.