Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has raised concerns about the contentious pre-finals bye, saying he's concerned it may affect his side's momentum heading into September.
The AFL introduced the pre-finals bye after clubs rested players in the final rounds of the home and away season, with the intention of preventing clubs from having to do so.
Fremantle had won 12 of its final 14 games to secure a spot in the finals, which included a fantastic win against the Western Bulldogs in the final round which was a do-or-die match for the last spot in the finals.
Longmuir raised the issue of the pre-finals bye on AFL 360, saying he was worried it may affect the momentum the Dockers had leading into finals.
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“We’ve been in a flow probably for the last 12-13 weeks where our form has been really solid,” Longmuir told AFL 360.
“A real strong process through that time where we’ve just rolled one week into the next and been able to rely on that schedule and that process through that time.
“So always a little bit concerned about it, but feel like we’ve jumped into this week really well.
“We’ve still got a little bit of time up our sleeve to finish off our prep, obviously, but you’re always a little bit concerned.”
Geelong great Jimmy Bartel suggested that the bye be moved to the week before the grand final, explaining that while no player has missed the grand final, it is an inevitable prospect.
The Dockers take on Gold Coast on Saturday night at Optus Stadium in the second elimination final, with the first bounce at 7:35 pm.