Writing in his Fairfax column, Bartel suggests that less could actually be more and the adoption of his philosophy would give members and supporters of AFL teams more bang for their buck.
“With 18 sides in the competition and the constant discussion regarding the inequity of the draw, it’s time to seriously consider having each team play each other once over 17 rounds for every game would be an event,” Bartel explained.
“There could be an extra week dedicated to a rivalry round, allowing more money to be generated from such matches as the West Australian derby, South Australia’s showdown, Sydney’s battle of the bridge, the Queensland cup and old-fashioned blockbusters such as we saw between Collingwood and Carlton on Sunday.”
Bartel believes that if supporters knew there was only one opportunity to watch Richmond and Essendon battle it out in the home-and-away season, the MCG would be filled to capacity.
Similarly, low attendance matches would be given a boost with supporters only having eight chances to see their team play at home for the year.
The ongoing argument of easy versus hard draws is one which continues to circulate year in, year out. Although, under Bartel’s way of thinking a team would play a side away one year, knowing they will host them the following year, eradicating the problem.
More importance would also be given to the marquee Friday-night slot.
“Even giving more credence to allowing all clubs to at least have one match in that timeslot – something which does not happen now.”
Bartel goes on to suggest that as a league we should look to America’s National Football League, who has led the way in ensuring every game matters.
“The NFL is the highest-attended sporting competition on average of crowd attendance in the world and produces the greatest television audiences and revenue from a commercial point of view.
“More meaningful matches through the home-and-away season in the AFL could help raise the value of commercials, benefiting broadcasters and increasing the value of the rights they own – which, in turn, would boost distributions to clubs, players and all in the industry.”
Playing each other once would also mean clubs must play to full-strength every game because the value of a win would be increased dramatically. To drop three in a row may spell the end of a club’s season.
Not only does Bartel feel a shortened season could help young sides eliminate fatigue, he believes two split rounds should be included to stretch the season to 20 weeks, keeping in line with both the AFL and the AFL Players Association.
In a bold bid, Bartel suggests a wildcard weekend of football.
“I know this is the American way, but why not consider a wildcard weekend on the eve of the finals, with two teams jostling for that final spot in the eight.
“Why not have the ninth and eighth-placed teams playing off?
“The team which finishes on the top of the ladder would have greater reward by at least having a week off.
“As it stands, there is no difference in finishing first or second."
The NAB Cup would also have a greater emphasis under Bartel’s philosophy.
“We could then have a state of origin or All-Star matches in week one or four of the pre-season competition, something many players are keen on.
“Players would be picked on their previous season’s form.
“It could be turned into a carnival, with a major under-18 match and possibly the E.J.Whitten clash and the AIS-AFL squad taking on Ireland also held.”
