SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos and Collingwood counterpart Mick Malthouse have backed the AFL's split round concept, saying it is vital in the fast-paced modern game.

The format of the break has varied in recent years. In the 2007 schedule, the first five matches of round 12 were played last weekend, followed by the remaining three this weekend.

The pick of the games will be the Swans-Magpies clash at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.

“It’s a long year and players get injured and still play," Roos said.

"I think the main thing about the break is just to give yourself the best chance to get your players fresh and reinvigorated."

Roos refuted claims the split round broke the season’s momentum, saying players were professional enough to maintain their focus.

His rival Malthouse is of the same mind.

He said the break allowed clubs the opportunity to give their younger players a much-needed rest.

“I think in today's football you end up recruiting a lot of young kids and they have rarely played against men, let alone played a full season of football,” Malthouse said.

“It just mounts up on them.

“[The split round comes] at a very important time. It's so vital we also have a week off during the year to regenerate the body and mend the mind.”

In previous years, the matches over the mid-season break have been split 6-2 or 7-1 over the two weeks.

The format could change again next year if the AFL decides to schedule the return of State of Origin in the middle of the season.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL