AFL FANS ASSOCIATION (AFLFA): “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
The AFL Fans Association (AFLFA) has called on the AFL Commission and key AFL executives to review the proposed wildcard round in light of overwhelming fan feedback.
The 2025 AFLFA Fans Survey shows that 77% of fans do not support the wildcard round, highlighting concerns around competitive fairness, fixture integrity, and fan experience.
“Fans aren’t opposed to innovation,” said AFLFA President Ron Issko, “but the wildcard proposal has raised questions about fairness and the home-and-away season. We encourage the AFL Commission and AFL executives to review this proposal, share the rationale, and ensure any decision balances innovation with what supporters’ value most.”
Fans have expressed that expanding finals to a top-ten format rewards mediocrity, dilutes the significance of season-long performance, and undermines the integrity of the fixture. One supporter stated:
“If the team is not good enough to make the 8 then they miss out on finals.”
Supporters also note that fixture fairness is already a significant concern — floating schedules, unequal double-ups, and late-night timeslots are impacting attendance, accessibility, and fan trust. The wildcard proposal is seen as an extension of these concerns, prioritising commercial gain over competitive integrity.
“Fans want a fair game, the wildcard proposal smacks of unfairness and reinforces wider concerns about fixture design and scheduling. Supporters expect the AFL to uphold fairness and transparency in all major competition changes.” Ron remarked.
The AFLFA encourages the AFL Commission and executives to:
- Review the wildcard proposal with fan feedback in mind
- Provide transparency about the decision-making process, including potential impacts on fixture integrity and fan accessibility
- Ensure any changes are communicated clearly and with fan input.
“Fans have made their views clear. We hope the Commission and executives consider this feedback carefully while balancing the needs of the competition, players, and supporters alike”, Ron said.
Here are some comments from AFL commentators:
Former AFL player Daniel Gorringe said on Instagram: “What are we doing here with a wildcard round? No-one asked for this. No-one did. Games gone.”
Richmond icon Matthew Richardson wrote: “More than half our teams make the finals. Seriously.”
Veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly posted: “Oh FFS. Let’s have 10 of 18 teams play finals. Well done guys, sensational way to reward mediocrity. But at least broadcasters can hyperventilate over some more “finals”.
Some additional fan comments: “Rewarding mediocrity!! Way to go.”
“Getting close to participation trophies for all.”
“It’s all about $$$$$$ teams 9 and 10 don’t deserve to play finals.”
“That’s stupid, they are killing the game with this wildcard round.”
AFLFA membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au
More information: Email: media@aflfans.org.au.