Giants CEO Dave Matthews says AFL should look to NRL boss Peter V’landys’ innovative ideas

Rugby League’s head honcho Peter V’landys has been at the forefront of innovation in Australian sport. That’s why one AFL club boss is calling on the league to follow his example.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V'landys speaks to the media during a NRL press conference at Rugby League Central on September 03, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Giants CEO David Matthews admits it could be time the AFL looks towards rugby league’s head honcho Peter V’landys and his innovative ideas in an attempt to grow their own game.

Matthews spent the week in Perth for the AFL club CEO conference and reflected on the need for the sport to shake things up. Speaking to media on Friday morning during the Giants’ partnership announcement with Aware Super, the long-time club executive felt it was time to appreciate V’landys’s ability to be creative and engaging.

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys. Picture: Supplied by North Qld Cowboys

When quizzed about the idea of a potential play-in tournament ahead of finals, Matthews believed that there was room to go even further.

“I don’t mind the idea,” he said. “I think they’re topics that are interesting and exciting.

“One of the ones I raised was we need to potentially look at another tournament. I’d be loathed to call it the pre-season tournament … but I think when we do get to 19 clubs, and you’re a one-in-19 chance to win the only premiership cup on offer, is there an opportunity to actually restore that pre-season tournament and make it have more meaning?

“Maybe we are pinching an idea off Peter V’landys like with The Everest where he just put up massive prize money and then everyone’s trying. I think over time we let that pre-season competition diminish.”

Giants CEO Dave Matthews. Photo by Phil Hillyard

The topic of State of Origin was also addressed at the conference, with particular interest following Wednesday night’s rugby league blockbuster.

Matthews reaffirmed that although it shouldn’t become a regular part of the calendar, returning to a concept that has its roots in Aussie rules should be prioritised.

“We talked about that because the Indigenous All-Stars and State of Origin are both ideas that started with the AFL and we’ve probably let them drift to a degree,” Matthews said.

“They’ve become big events and assets for the NRL, actually. When you watched the game on Wednesday night, you’d love at some stage for the talent pools out of Queensland and New South Wales to be able to play a game.

“I’m sure we’ve got players on our list, the Swans and Lions would, I think it’s still got its place. I don’t think it’s an annual thing. But it’s certainly something that continues to get discussed.”

Originally published as Giants CEO Dave Matthews says AFL should look to NRL boss Peter V’landys’ innovative ideas