Footy fans label AFLW conferences a ‘joke’ and a ‘shambles’ following lopsided results
It might only be three weeks into the AFLW season but footy fans have already provided a brutal assessment of the League’s conference system, which currently has the five best teams in one division.
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It might only be three weeks into the AFLW season but footy fans have already provided a brutal assessment of the League’s conference system.
Under a traditional ladder system, the five teams in conference A — North Melbourne, Fremantle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Western Bulldogs — would occupy the top five spots on the table.
Meanwhile, the five teams in conference B — Carlton, Geelong, Brisbane, GWS and Collingwood — have just three wins between them and would sit from sixth to 10th.
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However, under the system introduced in the off-season, two teams from each conference must play finals.
That means two of the best teams in the league could be watching on from the sidelines during the finals.
Highlighting the incredible difference between the two groups of five, four sides from conference A — North, Fremantle, Melbourne and Adelaide — hold a percentage of 141 or greater.
In conference B, only one team (Carlton) has a percentage above 63.
After three rounds, the total points scored by the clubs in conference A stands at 685.
That figure drops to a concerning 428 in conference B.
Earlier this month, AFL Hall of Fame member Terry Wallace described the decision to implement conferences as a “total disaster”.
I know there are different opinions on AFLW . Personally I’m really enjoying it “ but “ why the hell did the AFL bring in 2 Conferences ? Worst call ever. It’s likely that in a 10 team Comp that teams 6&7 can play off for a GF spot . Total disaster !!!!
— Terry Wallace (@thelistmanager) February 10, 2019
Following the weekend’s results, footy fans from all over the country were fed up with the system, labelling it a “joke” and a “shambles”.
I've looked at the remaining #AFLW matches for 2019 and if the highest ranked teams (based on the current conference) win their match up, we have a scenario where the 7th ranked team (on the basis of an overall ladder) makes the semi-finals on just three wins. (thread continues)
— Peter Holden (@MrPeterHolden) February 17, 2019
Madison Prespakis is a little gun. Harf’s mob is back. Oh, and the conference system is a shambles pic.twitter.com/YHhpr83XGC
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) February 17, 2019
The AFL needs to scrap the conferences in @aflwomens immediately and run with one ladder.
— Lance Jenkinson (@westsport) February 17, 2019
You can't have the sixth and seventh ranked teams featuring in the finals.
It's not fair on the players, some who might never get another chance in their careers to play finals #AFLW
Just seen the AFLW standings. Whoever implemented a 2-conference system for a 10-team league shouldn’t have a job next year.
— Tbetta (@Tbetta9) February 17, 2019
This is probably the most predictable and preventable situation and now the entire season of a professional competition is a joke. Clap clap ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
Total points scored across the Conference A teams: 685
— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) February 17, 2019
Total points scored across the Conference B teams: 428#AFLW
Wonderfully ludicrous situation developing in #AFLW where all 5 teams in conference A have a better record than the best team in conference B. 🤷â€â™‚ï¸
— Ian Harkin (@sportznut67) February 17, 2019
How badly have AFLW stuffed up with conferences! Demons last in Con A but giving Lions a towelling!
— Mosca (@knee_takea) February 17, 2019
Nobody would blame the @aflwomens if they just pulled the pin on conferences now and said top four makes it. It's a joke as it is #AFLW pic.twitter.com/broj8spIdR
— Stuart Fazakerley (@stuartfaz) February 17, 2019
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Originally published as Footy fans label AFLW conferences a ‘joke’ and a ‘shambles’ following lopsided results
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