A pre-season cup is a great idea as long as it :
1. Doesn't add to much stain to the players, and since we already play trials and as much as Des says he doesn't like them always will it really shouldn't. Even the teams featuring in the final would only play 4 games in the cup, and that not a huge added burden.
2. Adds to the codes revenue. Which it would, what with a separate TV deal and sponsorship.
3. Takes the game somewhere it isn't already. Ie. Split the gate revenues between the clubs and play in Gelong, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, etc. Plus rural towns.
4. Allows us to start the build-up to the season with some on field spectacles rather then allowing the media to fill the gaps with the off-field crap that always flys around.
Play it across a few weeks as a knockout, and play the final the same weekend as the Superstars game, with only players not involved in the final eligible for selection. Give it a good payout for players, hence adding to the ability of players to add to their own pay check by playing well and bobs your uncle.