The NRL is a one-man band. The AFL is not. Both codes are open to a rebellion

September 9, 2026 — 5:00am

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The “National” in the NRL, is a misnomer, considering the code’s finals series has teams in only two Australian states plus Auckland, while the AFL’s play-offs boast teams from every state bar Tasmania.

It promises to be a lucrative series for the AFL, which introduced an historic wild card round and lucked in when powerhouse clubs, Collingwood and Carlton, were among the four teams to qualify, drawing 172,000 extra fans to the MCG.

The NRL isn’t so fortunate without any historic rivalries in the match-ups, yet haven’t officially surrendered staging a play-off for third place as an additional money spinner.

It’s a proposal which warrants being interred in the Mausoleum of Bad Ideas, along with New Coke and Tony Abbott’s award of a knighthood to Prince Phillip. As one coach said, “Both losing preliminary finals teams would be disappointed after missing the grand final and still half pissed from drowning their sorrows.”

Peter V’landys is on the brink of becoming the NRL’s sun king. Will anyone stand in his way?

The idea of a wild card round came from AFL management, whereas the NRL play off for third place has been pushed by ARL chair Peter V’landys. They reflect how decisions are made in the rival codes. Each is governed by a commission but the AFL administration has historically called the tune,........

© The Age