DAMIAN Barrett is discouraging the AFL to follow the NRL's lead by introducing a wildcard finals series, fearing it would reward mediocrity.
The NRL is considering a finals shake-up for the 2020 season, with 10 teams jostling for eight finals positions.
Under the proposal, the top eight would be retained, with the seventh-to-10th-placed teams contending for two finals spots.
If the model was to be introduced, Barrett is concerned that up to 12 teams would be considered 'alive' for a finals chance.
"I have an issue with the tenth best team out of 18 having a life it shouldn't otherwise have," Barrett said on The Sounding Board podcast.
"The NFL's got 32 teams and they only allow 12 teams to stay alive."
Co-host Craig Hutchison, who's campaigned for a wildcard play-off series, said the AFL missed an opportunity to pioneer the US-inspired series in Australia.
"As an AFL man, I'm flat because it would've been perfect for our sport and now will be perceived to have gone second when we do go. It's the single biggest no brainer of all time," he said.
Find the Sounding Board on Apple Podcasts or RSS
Episode guide
3:30 – Damo's Dan Hannebery comments from a fortnight ago gain traction
13:00 – Spin City – Hutchy takes on the role of Herald Sun editor Damon Johnston
16:00 – NBL finals and Andrew Bogut being NBA-bound
27:00 – David King's drink driving indiscretion
32:00 – Fox Footy not deploying call teams to regional grounds
34.30 – NRL wildcard play-off series
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