AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has spoken for the first time on the biggest finals shake-up in decades.

The league will introduce a fifth week of finals – with two ‘wildcard finals’ matches to be played, featuring teams who finish ninth and 10th.

Press PLAY to hear Andrew Dillon’s FULL press conference

Dillon defended the new format, saying more finals games of consequence would only be a good thing for the code.

“I don’t think it rewards mediocrity,” he told 3AW’s Eddie Summerfield on Monday morning.

What Jon Anderson thinks will happen following wildcard finals announcement

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