Paul Roos Critiques AFL's Consideration of In-Season Tournament

In a recent episode of the ABC AFL Daily podcast, Australian rules football legend Paul Roos expressed his skepticism regarding the Australian Football League's (AFL) potential introduction of an in-season tournament akin to the NBA's Cup. Roos, a former captain of Fitzroy and a prominent figure in the sport, voiced his concerns over the league's inclination to adopt changes similar to those made by the NBA, which he described as detrimental to the integrity of the game.

The AFL's proposal for an in-season tournament emerged from discussions among the league's 19 club CEOs, as confirmed by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. The tournament, potentially slated for introduction following Tasmania's entry into the league in 2028, could offer a substantial $5 million prize for the winning team, along with guaranteeing a finals spot.

Roos, however, highlighted the pitfalls of emulating the NBA's strategies. He stated, "If there’s a league you don’t want to follow in the world, it’s the NBA. The NBA ratings have absolutely plummeted. It is unwatchable now." He criticized the NBA's recent format changes, including mid-season tournaments and altered rules, which he believes have negatively impacted viewer engagement and game quality.

The NBA introduced its in-season tournament during the 2023-24 season in an effort to enhance regular-season play. Roos articulated that the AFL should avoid similar modifications, asserting that the Australian league is currently thriving without the need for radical alterations. "We have a great competition, we have fans going to the game left, right and center, we have ratings through the roof, so the game has never been in better shape. Why do we want to change something that’s not broken?"

Roos's remarks also touched upon the broader American influence on Australian sports, expressing discontent with what he perceives as a shift towards an American-style framework that prioritizes individualism and commercial interests over team loyalty and community engagement. He stated, "I just don’t understand Australian sports administrators’ fixation with American sport."

The necessity of the proposed tournament is also in question, as Roos noted that lower-tier clubs are financially supported by the AFL, suggesting that the introduction of the tournament might not address any pressing financial concerns. "Even the $5 million, let’s be honest, the lower clubs are pumped up by the AFL anyway. You’re not going out of business now if you’re an AFL club, so what’s $5 million?"

The AFL's consideration of this in-season tournament is part of a broader strategy to increase engagement and generate more marquee moments during the season. However, the implications of such a move remain to be seen, particularly in light of Roos's warnings about potentially diluting the league's brand and appeal. As the conversation continues, the future shape of the AFL remains uncertain, with Roos urging league officials to remain mindful of the league's core values and the sentiments of its fanbase.