The title of this thread actually raises a very interesting point. Namely, aside from the fact that it makes a lot of money, why DO we have a play-off at the end of the season to determine the premiers? Surely the team that finishes top of the table at the end of the season is by definition the best team, and should be crowned champions on that basis alone (like they do in the English Premier League and other competitions around the world).
Don't get me wrong - I enjoy watching finals footy as much as the next person. But it has always seemed a little unfair to me that - having proven themselves the best team all year already - the minor premiers then have to go out and win the championship again...and that sometimes they don't end up doing so. Or that a team could finish as low as eighth (actually losing more games than they win during the regular season) and still end up premiers.
For that matter, is it right and proper that the eventual result of the entire season should be determined by the outcome of just ONE game (the Grand Final)? :huh: