Simply Outrageous: Buddy Franklin Criticises Major AFL Shift and Condemns Money-Grab Decision

Buddy Franklin has launched a scathing attack on the AFL’s recent wildcard round, asserting that the decision was made “without proper consideration” by the governing body.

This fierce criticism follows Geelong coach Chris Scott’s remarks, where he similarly condemned the AFL, branding the enlarged finals format as a “blatant cash grab.”

The wildcard round, intended to serve as an addition to the traditional finals series, will see the seventh-placed team face the tenth-placed team, and the eighth take on the ninth, vying for the final two positions in the top eight.

However, both Franklin and his podcast co-host Shane Crawford have outright rejected the idea, labelling it a “reward for mediocrity.”

“This top 10 finals series is absurd,” Franklin stated on his podcast, The Buddy and Shane Show.

“We think it’s rubbish; it encourages mediocrity,” Crawford chimed in.

Franklin did not hold back, stating that the previous format should have remained unchanged.

“Just keep it a top eight. There are six to seven genuinely strong teams, while the rest are quite average; it’s likely to result in three or four mediocre teams making it to the finals,” Franklin elaborated.

“For me, I reckon they should have just stuck with a top eight.”

“You should earn your place in the top eight, rather than being handed a spot in the top 10.”

“It’s absurd; they could have simply left it as it was. When they start fiddling with the rules and altering various aspects, it’s sheer foolishness.

“Creating a top 10 teams setup is ludicrous. That’s my genuine opinion.

“I honestly think the AFL hasn’t considered this thoroughly before implementing it. It’s quite frustrating.”

Franklin’s views are echoed by a growing number of voices expressing dissatisfaction with the contentious decision.

Many critics share the sentiment that the new structure will unfairly benefit teams that have experienced “pretty average” seasons.

This includes Scott, who was refreshingly outspoken in his post-match comments, noting that the AFL “merely introduced a couple of extra finals for no valid reason other than profit, undoubtedly.”