Curtain raisers ‘a must’ for practice

WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says cuts to football department staff make curtain-raisers the only feasible way to give fringe AFL players match practice when football resumes.

AFL players have been barred from participating in second-tier competitions like the VFL this season, making it difficult for those who miss out on selection to push for a spot.

Beveridge said small-sided games or competitive training sessions against opponents on game day shaped as a solution.

“There’s a chance there might be some curtain-raiser opportunities against teams that we’re playing,” Beveridge told reporters.

“It’ll have to be that because we haven’t got the staff to be at a different venue on separate days, or on the same day, with the financial constraints. If we can pull that off then the boys who miss out on a game will grab on to that bone that you throw them.

“Some of those opportunities might look like training with the opposition, which will be interesting ... you’d be able to have some spirit in some 14 v 14 and reduced numbers type competitive games.”

Increasing the bench from four to six players is another way to include more players on game day.

Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury said he didn’t believe extra bench players were required given the shortened quarters, but the two spots would provide opportunities.

“I understand the call for it if there’s not going to be anywhere the rest of your list can play,” Pendlebury said.

“You need to keep those guys engaged and you can’t just keep training them and flogging them on the training track. I don’t mind the idea of having six on the bench to filter guys through.”