The AFL has responded to anti-tanking fears ahead of the final rounds of the season.
A memo sent by the league to all 18 clubs has reiterated the importance of integrity in team selection as coaches plan to manage players.
"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 said, which was revealed on AFL360.
“While legitimate management of player fatigue and injuries is permitted, the AFL will scrutinise club team selection decisions in the lead-up to the AFL Finals in the context of this Rule.”
Mentioned on the Six Points AFL podcast before the release of the memo, Mark Stevens gave his concerns about the introduced Wildcard Round.
"Watch this space. If you are trapped in the wildcard zone entering the final round, with no scope to push into the top six and no chance of dropping out, why wouldn't you rest a raft of players?"
"Clubs are within their right to rest 10-12 players... I know the AFL don't like this." @StevoMedia believes a trio of Victorian clubs could consider resting key players for Round 24.
FULL EPISODE >>> https://t.co/F5CQpUTTwG pic.twitter.com/Z4aKgIArPE
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) August 3, 2026
Rule 29, defined by the AFL under 'perform on one's merits', states: "at all times to perform honestly and to the best of one's ability in the pursuit only of legitimate competitive objectives. For the avoidance of doubt, 'legitimate competitive objective' includes the development of the team or players or management of player fatigue or injuries but does not include improving a Club's draft position, improving a Club's position with respect to a potential Player exchange or manipulating a club's position on the ladder for the purpose of improving its draw within the Finals Series."
The AFL's reminder is to ensure avoidance of Ross Lyon famously resting players on two occasions ahead of a Fremantle finals series.
In 2013, Lyon managed 10 players in the final clash of the regular season. He did the same thing two years later after the Dockers secured the minor premiership.
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge gave his opinion on the matter.
“I think the main consideration for the teams who might be certainties to play a wildcard game is the fact that the six teams above seventh all have a week off,” Beveridge told AFL 360.
“I'm sure, within the ranks of the teams that are certainties, you're processing who needs a week off.
“We've just had ‘Naughts' (Aaron Naughton) and Cody (Weightman) come out of the game, not because we wanted them to, but because it would have been too hard for them to play over in Perth.
“So, if you're doing it this far out, you're definitely going to do it the week before the wildcard.
“So I'd question how the AFL could question a club — because you're questioning the medical department as well — if that happens.”
Melbourne coach Steven King was strong in his stance when quizzed on the subject.
“I'm the coach of the Melbourne Football Club; I'll make any decision that's best for our football club, and best for the management of our players,” he said.
“But like Bevo touched on, I'm not a doctor, and I don't question our medical team week to week on who needs management of training loads or during gameday.
“I'm certainly not going to try and push Kade Chandler to play with a fractured hand against Gold Coast … it's out of our hands.”
