Clubs should be restricted on number of AFL players in SANFL finals, says Andy Collins
WEST Adelaide coach Andrew Collins has lamented the lack of rules governing the number of AFL listed players SANFL clubs can employ for the finals series.
WEST Adelaide coach Andrew Collins has lamented the lack of rules governing the number of AFL listed players SANFL clubs can employ for the finals series.
Speaking at the SANFL finals launch at AAMI Stadium, Collins said rules should have been implemented six years ago when he took on the Bloods role and mentioned the issue of AFL players dropping back to the state league.
The Bloods will be the only club without AFL influence in their line-up for the major round starting on Sunday.
West Adelaide will face Woodville-West Torrens qualifying final following the elimination final between Central District and North Adelaide.
"You want the finals series to be even as possible," Collins said.
"Even in the VFL they have rules associated with finals.
"There should have been a rule that every club has a certain number (of AFL listed players) allowed. It is a lack of vision."
The Bloods will make at least seven changes to their side to confront the Eagles after resting a raft of players in the final round. The Eagles thumped the Bloods at Richmond to secure a top three spot.
Norwood will have the rest this weekend as a reward for being the minor premier and it will go into the second semi-final against the winner of the qualifying final as a red hot favourite.
The Redlegs have won their past 10 games and coach Nathan Bassett said the squad would attack the major round full of confidence.
"We have been playing some pretty good footy in the last 10 games which gives us confidence,'' Bassett said.
"We will go into the finals with some confidence as we should but all the minor round has done is put us in this position. There is still a lot of work to do.''
Eagles coach Michael Godden admitted there appeared a "bit of a gap" between the Redlegs and the rest of the competition.
###