The VFL has reportedly rejected claims that Carlton midfielder Will Setterfield was ineligible to play in Sunday’s 32-point elimination final win over Collingwood.
Setterfield starred in the Victoria Park clash, racking up 40 disposals, 16 contested, 10 clearances, seven marks and two goals as the Blues’ seconds sent the Magpies’ crashing out of the finals.
However speculation mounted after the game that Setterfield shouldn’t have been eligible to play given he made 13 AFL appearances for Carlton’s AFL side this year — one too many — to go with his mandatory six VFL matches.
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That was until VFL reporter Brendan Rhodes took to social media to clarify that one of Setterfield’s 13 AFL games as the unused medical sub doesn’t count towards the quota, thus making him permitted to play in VFL finals.
Setterfield told Channel 7 post-match the Blues were pleased to bounce back form last week’s “shattering” one-point loss to Collingwood in the AFL that saw Carlton miss finals.
“The VFL boys played a great game last week, just snuck in (to finals). We came out with a bit of purpose today, it’s good to stay alive,” the 24-year old said.
“It’s always good to play in big games against Collingwood, they’re a great outfit … we’ve got a lot of belief off the back of today.”
The win sees the Blues advance to a semi-final meeting with Brisbane in Queensland next weekend.
