The Quirk of Consistency in an Inconsistent Game

The Australian Football League’s wildcard round has long been a contentious concept. It pits teams out of contention against each other, allowing them to salvage their season. Saturday night’s draw between Hawthorn and Collingwood exposed a quirk in the AFL rules that raises questions about fairness and consistency.

Under rule 16.5.2, if Collingwood had punched the ball through for a behind after the siren, it would have been registered as a goal for Hawthorn, securing their victory. Conversely, if Hawthorn attempted to punch the ball through, it wouldn’t have counted as a rushed behind, and Collingwood’s draw would still have secured second place on the ladder.

This anomaly highlights the complexity of the AFL rules, which often reward teams for exploiting loopholes rather than playing fair. Viewers watching the game were left bewildered by Fox coverage, which cropped out all play on the goal line at the critical moment.

The wildcard round has also been criticized for rewarding mediocrity. Teams finishing 9th and 10th in the league receive an extra lifeline, competing against teams that have secured top-four spots. While anything can happen in September, it’s difficult to argue with this system after Carlton’s victory over St Kilda.

Josh Fraser’s Blues have been one of the season’s surprise packages. Their draw against Hawthorn showcased their resilience and composure, as they held possession and ensured no goals were conceded. This secured a spot in the wildcard round for Carlton, giving them a chance to compete against top-four teams.

Fraser’s appointment as senior coach has been debated all season. However, his performance on Saturday night was a convincing argument for his credentials. Turning around a team that had won just one game in their first nine matches is no small feat, and Fraser’s achievement will only make him an even more attractive candidate for the top job.

St Kilda can take solace in playing a better brand of football this season. However, as their coach noted, “football gives you feedback every week,” and the results speak for themselves: no finals.

Collingwood’s Craig McRae chose to own victory after Saturday night’s draw, celebrating like his team had won a final. While that may be a convenient narrative, it’s hard to ignore the fact that they were lucky to escape with two points against Hawthorn.

As we head into September, one thing is certain: anything can happen in this unpredictable game. It will be fascinating to see which teams emerge victorious. The question on everyone’s mind now is what Saturday night’s draw means for Josh Fraser’s future as senior coach. Has he cemented his position as a top contender for the job, or will doubts about his ability to lead a team to success continue to linger?