AFL players always have and always will have a huge influence over the result of the finals. It is understandable that the AFL clubs don't release some players due to injury because they are the 1s paying the big dollars. On the other side of the coin it is a huge advantage for the sanfl clubs that have a player released and are able to use him.
The difference this can make is enourmous. Take a Central V North match where Symes can play for the Dogs and Motlop can't play for North.
I think the fairest solution is to increase the qualification mark significantly. Realistically Motlop and Symes are not a true or regular part of their SANFL side.
The counter argument to this is what happens if one or both AFL clubs play finals and they need somewhere to put their players who wern't selected and they havn't qualified.
ps. what happens in this situation as it stands?
Thoughts?