Preliminary finals
Encyclopedia
Preliminary final is an Australian term referring to a game in a knockout tournament or bracket whose winner progresses to the final or championship game (often called the Grand Final
). It is equivalent to a "semi-final" in many other sports.
For example, in a variation of a finals series where top four teams qualify, the first round will often include a qualifying semi-final (1st v 2nd) and an elimination semi-final (3rd v 4th). The winner of the qualifying semi-final will go through to the grand final, while the loser will go through to the preliminary. In the elimination semi-final, the loser is eliminated, and the winner progresses through to the preliminary final.
Examples of other variations of final series involving preliminary finals can be seen in McIntyre Final Eight System
or the AFL Finals Series.
or National Rugby League
, preliminary finals are often considered to be better quality games than grand finals. For one thing, commentator Daniel Mueller has made the point that grand finals tend to result in blowouts since one team either chokes under the immense public pressure; or becomes demoralised and effectively 'gives up' after the other team establishes a significant lead. In addition, grand finals are often associated with pageantry, celebrity, bandwagoning, and the fickle big-event fan. These are aspects often looked down on by purists of the game.
Grand Final
Grand Final is a predominantly Australian sport term used to describe a match that decides a league champion.It originated in Victoria and South Australia and has become specifically significant Australian culture...
). It is equivalent to a "semi-final" in many other sports.
Distinction from semi-finals
Typically, in finals series that involve preliminary finals, "semi-finals" decide who will go through to the preliminary finals.For example, in a variation of a finals series where top four teams qualify, the first round will often include a qualifying semi-final (1st v 2nd) and an elimination semi-final (3rd v 4th). The winner of the qualifying semi-final will go through to the grand final, while the loser will go through to the preliminary. In the elimination semi-final, the loser is eliminated, and the winner progresses through to the preliminary final.
Examples of other variations of final series involving preliminary finals can be seen in McIntyre Final Eight System
McIntyre Final Eight System
The McIntyre Final Eight System was devised by Ken McIntyre in addition to the McIntyre Four, Five and Six systems. It is a playoff system of the top 8 finishers in a competition to determine which two teams will play in the Grand Final. The teams play each other over three weeks, with two teams...
or the AFL Finals Series.
Preliminary finals as a spectacle
At the top professional level such as the Australian Football LeagueAustralian Football League
The Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
or National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
, preliminary finals are often considered to be better quality games than grand finals. For one thing, commentator Daniel Mueller has made the point that grand finals tend to result in blowouts since one team either chokes under the immense public pressure; or becomes demoralised and effectively 'gives up' after the other team establishes a significant lead. In addition, grand finals are often associated with pageantry, celebrity, bandwagoning, and the fickle big-event fan. These are aspects often looked down on by purists of the game.