The AFL is reportedly considering scrapping the controversial Grand Final replay.
Damian Barrett has reported on The Footy Show that the AFL Commission is discussing doing away with one of the oldest traditions in favour of playing extra time if the game ends in a draw.
The @AFL is preparing to ditch one of its longest standing traditions, the Grand Final replay - via @barrettdamian. #9AFLFootyShow
— The AFL Footy Show (@AFLFootyShow) April 7, 2016
Barrett said that the Commission could sign off on the change as early as this season.
St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna, who played in the 2010 drawn Grand Final and the replay the following week, said that he is in favour of the move.
"I don't think you'll find a player that played in that Grand Final that wanted to play a replay," Montagna said.
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"I think extra time is common sense, it's inevitable. I think now that it's a national competition, it should be fair for all players."
Joey Montagna on @StKildaFC's Grand Final replay in 2010. #9AFLFootyShow https://t.co/fPJYbBK3La
— The AFL Footy Show (@AFLFootyShow) April 7, 2016
Changing it to extra time is disrespectful to the 3 teams that lost grand final replays. We’ll forever be hearing from Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda supporters that “If only it was extra time back in…we would’ve won”
Stop changing the game AFL! Tradition is a beautiful thing.