Is the coronavirus pandemic causing the shutdown of the league the biggest AFL controversy of the century?
Over the past 20 years there have been many scandals that sent shockwaves through the league and turned it upside down.
We've taken a look back at the 10 biggest AFL controversies since 2000.
Honourable mentions
Brisbane Lions using IV drips (2001)
Barry Hall's punch on Brent Staker (2008)
Ricky Nixon's 'St Kilda schoolgirl' incident (2011)
Kirk Tippett salary cap breach (2012)
Josh Thomas and Lachlan Keefe's drug ban (2015)
Adelaide Crows Collective Minds pre-season camp (2018)
Jaidyn Stephenson's betting scandal (2019)
But let's continue on with the real stuff...
5. Carlton breach the salary cap
In 2002, Carlton were reeling after winning their first wooden spoon ever. Things got worse for the club when they were charged with breaching the salary cap during the 2001 season. The Blues were fined a then-record $930,000 and lost several draft picks in both the 2002 and 2003 drafts, including the no.1 pick in 2002.
The scandal led to legendary club president John Elliott to resign and the grandstand at Princes Park named after him to be renamed to the Carlton Heroes Stand.
However, most damaging was the impact on field, with the club not making the finals again until 2009 and winning two more wooden spoons during that time.
