Dual premiership Kangaroo and prominent commentator David King has called for a reform to the VFL system.
King's comments come as a quirk in the VFL fixture delays veteran Daniel Wells' potential return from a knee injury.
In the 15-team VFL competition, each club plays 18 games across 21 home-and-away rounds, meaning teams are faced with three bye rounds. Collingwood's third and final VFL bye is scheduled for this weekend.
The bye couldn't come at a worse time for the 34-year-old, who is making a last-ditch effort to feature in Collingwood's September campaign after missing his side's last 10 contests.
The VFL Magpies are currently clinging to faint finals hopes, meaning Wells may only have one opportunity to regain match fitness and form in the lead-up to September.
The situation looms as a blow for the injury-hit Magpies, as the 258-gamer's pristine skills and decision-making could be crucial in the heat of finals.
King said the VFL system is letting down Wells and Collingwood in this case.
“What’s happening at Collingwood with Daniel Wells at the moment is not allowing him to prepare to play AFL football,” King told SEN's Whateley.
“It’s not serving the purpose.
"How can we have that coming into the pointy end of the season?
“Round 22 and he’s not playing. That’s crazy.
"There isn’t a sporting code in the world that would have that.
“That’s not professional. That’s an unprofessional model.”
Wells' return to action may come at Box Hill City Oval when the VFL Magpies take on the Hawks in 12 days.
