AIFL playoff format

[Fran]

All six teams will make the playoffs with the two top teams getting a bye.

That's really bush league it makes the regular season meaningless.
You just have to get hot during the playoffs to win the championship.

[Jamie]

Oh, I don't think it is so awful for a league in its first year.

What is more important? Looking like a veteran league, or surviving into their second year?

It helps keep six expansion teams interesting for the fans right through the season. Otherwise, attendance could drop off and they could lose a team or two after the first season.

At least there will be tangible benefits (bye week, home field) for the teams with better records.

The AFL has done a few "bush" things in their time (like the Houston team that didn't even have a home in their last season...)

[Fez]

Jamie and Fran- two of the more consistently informative and reasonable posters on this board.

Sorry Jamie, but on this one I have to agree w/ Fran. All teams make the playoffs is a crock.

If a team isn't in the running near the end, it probably has a losing record (surely this will be the case in a 6 team league). What fans really want to see their beloved 2-10 home team in a playoff game? Sounds more like the ABA playoffs.

[exit322]

I think four teams is plenty for the playoffs in the AIFL...it gets 2/3s the league in, and it at least has a race...

[Jamie]

I would not want to see them use this format beyond the first year.

Think of it less as "the playoffs" and more like a league tournament.

I mostly take exception to characterizing it as "bush league"

In the history of bush leagues, this infraction is pretty minor