The AFL has presented four potential competition models to club CEOs for the 2028 season and beyond, as the league prepares for the introduction of a 19th team from Tasmania. According to reports from the league’s summit on the Gold Coast, these options range from traditional fixture adjustments to radical new tournament structures inspired by global sporting leagues like the NFL and NBA.
How will the competition change with 19 teams?
The addition of Tasmania forces the AFL to reconsider its standard 23-round season to accommodate an odd number of clubs. AFL officials presented four specific paths to club bosses on Monday. These options include maintaining a home-and-away structure or implementing mid-season tournaments to manage the increased number of matches. The league is currently evaluating how to balance financial returns from broadcast rights against the physical demands placed on players throughout a longer or more complex calendar.
What are the four fixture options?
The league has outlined four distinct frameworks for the competition’s future, as detailed to club executives:
- Option One: Reduce the home-and-away season to 22 games. This model features 18 standard games and four double-up matches. It would require the removal of Gather Round or the AFL purchasing home games from clubs to maintain an 11-home, 11-away split.
- Option Two: Increase the season to 24 games, consisting of 18 single matchups and six double-ups. This would include two neutral-venue rounds, such as Gather Round, ensuring clubs retain their home game revenue.
- Option Three: A “Group Stage” model featuring 20 home-and-away games. After the initial 18 games and two double-ups, the top 16 teams are split into four groups to compete for finals spots, while the bottom three teams compete in a separate bracket.
- Option Four: A 20-game season featuring a three-week mid-season tournament. This includes 18 games plus two double-ups. The tournament would split teams into four groups of five, potentially incorporating a “State League Stars” team as the 20th entry.
The proposed mid-season tournament models draw inspiration from international soccer and American sports leagues, which frequently use group-stage formats to generate additional broadcast content during the regular season.
Why is the AFL considering radical tournament structures?
The AFL is looking toward international benchmarks to ensure the competition remains engaging as the league grows. According to league planning documents, the primary challenge is managing the logistics of an odd-numbered competition while keeping the fixture fair. By testing concepts like a “Group Stage” or a “State League Stars” tournament, the league hopes to create new high-stakes moments in the middle of the season, similar to how the NFL utilizes specific primetime slots or the NBA incorporates tournament incentives.
How do these options compare to current structures?
The proposed changes represent a significant shift from the current home-and-away model. While Options One and Two focus on adjusting the length of the traditional season, Options Three and Four represent a fundamental change to how the ladder and finals qualification are determined. Unlike the current system, where every win counts toward a singular ladder, the tournament concepts introduce secondary competitions that could provide incentive for teams that fall out of finals contention early in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the season get longer or shorter?
It depends on the chosen model. Options exist for both a reduced 20-game season and an expanded 24-game season.
What happens to Gather Round?
Gather Round is retained in most options, though the method of funding or scheduling it may change, particularly in the 22-game model where the AFL may need to purchase home games from clubs.
When will a decision be finalized?
The options were presented to club CEOs at a two-day summit on the Gold Coast this month, with further consultation expected before a final model is locked in for 2028.
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