Get rid of the NAB Cup once and for all

January 19, 2008 | Filed Under AFL News

The 2008 AFL NAB Cup competition is looking like being an even bigger waste of time than in previous years. As we would all know by now the AFL have decided to trial a new interchange rule, meaning clubs will only bee able to have 16 interchange rotations per quarter and 64 in total, with send offs due to the blood rule being included as a rotation. The backlash from this has been widespread with most clubs and medical experts alike are bemused at the rule and have questioned why there is a need to change it.

Not Prepared to risk players

The fall out of this rule change in particular is that clubs will not be prepared to risk their star players that are coming back from injury or players that need to be eased through the pre season prior to Round 1 because they will not be able to control the amount of game time they play. This has meant that many clubs, some who already don’t take the NAB Cup all that seriously to begin with will be forced to rest their better players and play the younger less experienced ones so they are in tip top shape come Round 1. Carlton, who has won the last 2 NAB Cups have even said that they will not be risking their stars and will not be fielding their best side. If the AFL regard the pre season competition as an important part of AFL Football then they need to pull their heads out of the clouds and work out a way they can resurrect it because it is a shambles at the moment and they may as well abandon it and go straight into the Regional Challenge (practice games).

I read a comment from Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos in regards to the interchange rule where he stated that the AFL had said there was not enough evidence yet to suggest that there is any link between injuries going up an the use of interchange rotations and therefore thought that there would be no change to that rule. So how can they now make the decision to change the rule? Because they are the AFL I guess.

No one takes the NAB Cup seriously do they?

There are a number of clubs that have already stated that they will not be fielding very experienced and strong sides in this years competition and Leigh Matthews has said “No one really takes this seriously do they?” What incentive do clubs have to even consider taking it seriously? Well there is probably only one $$$. The kangaroos have eluded to the fact they will after the prize money in this years NAB Cup “We have always been aware that our performance really indicates our bottom dollar. If we drop off, it does hurt us financially. With most of the other clubs preparing for the NAB Cup the way they are then it opens the door for clubs like the Kangaroos to field a strong team and take the cash, something that we all know the desperately need, and in turn will hopefully improve their membership tally. But the more financially secure clubs don’t really need the cash and therefore have no real incentive.

The time has come to get rid of the NAB Cup unless the AFL can do something so the clubs can both prepare their sides the best way they can for the start of the season and also create a competition that clubs will want to play in. Which they are not doing at the moment. Clubs are better off playing a series of practice matches instead.

Post your comment and let football world know your thoughts on the NAB Cup.