AFL warns clubs against tanking as finals approach, but coaches push back
The AFL has issued a stern warning to all 18 clubs ahead of the final rounds of the home-and-away season, reminding them of their obligation to perform honestly and to the best of their ability. The league's memo, revealed on Monday night, aims to prevent any deliberate underperformance or strategic resting of players that could influence ladder positions and finals matchups.
However, the warning has been met with skepticism from senior coaches and analysts, who argue that managing player workloads and resting key players is a legitimate part of a club's premiership strategy.
What the AFL memo says
The official league message, shared on AFL 360, states: 'Please be reminded of the obligation in the AFL Rules on Clubs to perform on one's merits, meaning that Clubs must perform honestly and to the best of their ability.' The memo adds that while legitimate management of player fatigue and injuries is permitted, the AFL will scrutinise club team selection decisions in the lead-up to the finals.
Gerard Whateley noted that maximum fines for a breach could be significant, but the league's stance has raised questions about what constitutes a breach.
Coaches question the grey area
Melbourne great Garry Lyon highlighted the ambiguity: 'What's breach? Is 10 a breach? Is six acceptable? Is four no problem?' He argued that if a club has planned its season and rested players strategically, it should be within its rights to do so. 'Your obligation is to win the premiership, not to win Round 22, 23 or 24,' he said.
Whateley echoed this sentiment, opposing the league's threat. He pointed out that the AFL had previously created the pre-finals bye to address similar issues, but now appears to be prioritising the final round of the home-and-away season over the integrity of the finals series. He suggested that teams who have locked in their ladder positions should be free to rest players, as long as they are transparent about their decisions.
Wildcard implications and player management
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge raised concerns about the wildcard round, noting that teams certain to play in it face a gruelling schedule. 'If you're in that position, I reckon most of us would give Rossy Lyon a call and just see how he went about it when he rested about 15, didn't he?' he quipped, referencing Fremantle's controversial 2013 and 2015 team selections under Lyon.
Melbourne coach Steven King added that he would make decisions based on what is best for his club and players, and would not question the medical team's advice. 'I'm certainly not going to try and push Kade Chandler to play with a fractured hand against Gold Coast,' he said.
Broader debate on league priorities
The debate highlights a broader tension between the AFL's desire to maintain competitive integrity and clubs' focus on premiership success. Whateley argued that the league's stance may be driven by concerns over gambling markets, but he called for transparency rather than punishment. 'If you have locked your position away, I say do whatever you like,' he said.
As the season enters its final rounds, the AFL's warning is likely to remain a talking point, especially if any club makes significant changes to its lineup in the lead-up to the finals.