With the Brisbane Lions Reserves set to play a major role in the NEAFL Finals, lions.com.au are taking this opportunity to refresh fans on how the McIntyre final five system works.
The final five was introduced into the VFL in 1972 and operated for 19 seasons until the introduction of the Adelaide Crows in 1991 saw a need for the national competition to extend its finals series to six teams.
However, the final five system still operates in the 10-team local Queensland competition, and provides a definite advantage to the team that finishes on top of the ladder at the end of the regular season.
CLICK HERE to read how the NEAFL ladder shaped up at the end of the regular season.
Unfortunately last week’s loss to the Sydney Swans Reserves saw the Lions relinquish top spot to the NT Thunder. So instead of enjoying a first-week Bye, the Lions will now face Southport in a Qualifying Final this Saturday afternoon at Coorparoo.
The Lions will receive a double-chance regardless of the result, although the reward for beating the Sharks is still significant.
The final five NEAFL Finals series operates as follows:
WEEK ONE
Qualifying Final
2nd (Brisbane Lions) v 3rd (Southport)
Elimination Final
4th (Redland) v 5th (Gold Coast Suns)
Bye: 1st (NT Thunder)
WEEK TWO
Semi Final 1
Southport v Redland
Semi Final 2
1st (NT Thunder) v Brisbane Lions
WEEK THREE
Preliminary Final
Winner Semi Final 1 v Loser Semi Final 2
Bye: Winner Semi Final 2
WEEK FOUR
Northern Conference Grand Final
Winner Semi Final 2 v Winner Preliminary Final
WEEK FIVE
NEAFL Championship
Northern Conference Premiers v Eastern Conference Premiers
The Brisbane Lions Reserves play the NT Thunder this Saturday 1 September at Palmerston Oval (NT) from 6pm.
NEAFL Finals
The Brisbane Lions Reserves are set to play a major role in the NEAFL Finals which kick off this weekend with a Qualifying Final against Southport at Coorparoo.
