The AFL has confirmed the current bye system will continue after AFL football operations manager Simon Lethlean told SEN on Tuesday morning they were here to stay.
Rounds 11, 12 and 13 were all shortened to accommodate byes this season, while round nine also saw Port Adelaide and Gold Coast have a break after returning from their historic clash in China.
Every club has now had the chance to rest and recuperate heading into the final 10 matches of the season, and Lethlean said the current system had been an overwhelming success.
"I think (they worked) absolutely from the playing, coaching and staff point (of view.) They need a break," Lethlean said.
"That's universally understood, and they get a four-day freshen-up, the players.
"They probably get a chance to reconnect with family and friends and have a bit of a breather, so I think it's pretty important.
"People don't love byes from a fan point of view, but we need to have them for a break (and) a recharge for the whole industry.
"They're not going anywhere."
Another positive of the bye rounds has resulted in more Thursday night games in 2017, with eight matches being played on a Thursday compared to just five in 2016.
Lethlean said the Thursday matches rated very well with broadcasters, meaning the league would likely continue to schedule Thursday night matches as often as they've been this season.
