Decision time for the AFL

[Sanctorum]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

[WellardSaint]

Not sure what the AFL could do other than tell all the clubs to respect their fan base, and for the good of the game, uphold the standards.

But if club medical staff want to say "player X has suffered soft tissue injuries which need to be rested" then they can make a case for returning the player to Melbourne for treatment and rehab, as there's no benefit in staying in the hub and costing the AFL money when he can't play.

AFL has to take the word of the medicos.

[The_Dud]

At the moment why would they want to come back here with all the freedom they have currently!

Especially if they have their family with them.

But tanking is always an issue (which I don't really have a problem with), and I think there will still be a lot of finals spots up for grabs at the end of the season, with such a close competition.

[saintsRrising]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

8th currently has 20 points.
13th 16 points
17th 12 points

Now % is a factor, but there could still be changes in the makeup of the 8 for some time yet.

Bulldogs have 19 games and 20 points and % is only 92.2. So they will probably out of the date.

[Secret Kiel]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

[Saintmatt]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Until such time as it actually occurs ... no. I don't think it's going to be any bigger issue this year than other year. In fact - it's been blatantly horrible in years past with the likes of the Kreuzer Cup etc. The shorter quarters are a bigger issue than tanking at present. The fact that there's less time to claw back a deficit and that no one's come from behind after a 3/4 time lead (except Nth over us) exemplifies this. In a 17 game season - there'll be more teams in it for longer anyway.

There'll be some clubs who don't have to care about member numbers etc that may send ppl home and not give their best effort but, I think there's a lot of other teams that really need to put in as good a showing as possible to retain their members for next year. It's one thing getting members to leave the cash that they've already paid but, you can't then expect clubs to get members to sign/re-sign if their team is clearly bottling it.

[johnearljames]

Lets hope sides tank and send players home. Makes our job of making finals a lot easier. Lets wish for it actually.

[Sanctorum]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Haha SK, I'll never agree that this year is what you infer to be an inferior championship.

If anything this is a much tougher challenge for the 18 teams than ever before, with teams under immense pressure to contend with the deprivations of life in interstate hubs for extensive periods, many players away from their loved ones, living out of suitcases, restricted severely in their daily movements and under constant surveillance lest they contravene the AFL rules around COVID-19.

And you have the gall to diminish the full significance of the commitments by the players to try and win another premiership - shame on you!!!

[saynta]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

If you are still being paid, and they are, I see no reason for any of the scenarios you paint.

[Secret Kiel]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Until such time as it actually occurs ... no. I don't think it's going to be any bigger issue this year than other year. In fact - it's been blatantly horrible in years past with the likes of the Kreuzer Cup etc. The shorter quarters are a bigger issue than tanking at present. The fact that there's less time to claw back a deficit and that no one's come from behind after a 3/4 time lead (except Nth over us) exemplifies this. In a 17 game season - there'll be more teams in it for longer anyway.

There'll be some clubs who don't have to care about member numbers etc that may send ppl home and not give their best effort but, I think there's a lot of other teams that really need to put in as good a showing as possible to retain their members for next year. It's one thing getting members to leave the cash that they've already paid but, you can't then expect clubs to get members to sign/re-sign if their team is clearly bottling it.

Absolutely no comparison to past years with regards to the tanking issue, this year's results are comprised in so many ways with comparison to past seasons and the tanking issue effecting the integrity of results is probabably at the smaller end of the scale with regards to the integrity of the Asterisk Cup. Teams more than ever before will be putting the cue in the rack, and quite early which will make it much easier to win and make finals. I reckon though if Covid-19 hasn't completely derailed the comp by the time finals arrives then the finals might be a really interesting landscape.

[Secret Kiel]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Haha SK, I'll never agree that this year is what you infer to be an inferior championship.

If anything this is a much tougher challenge for the 18 teams than ever before, with teams under immense pressure to contend with the deprivations of life in interstate hubs for extensive periods, many players away from their loved ones, living out of suitcases, restricted severely in their daily movements and under constant surveillance lest they contravene the AFL rules around COVID-19.

And you have the gall to diminish the full significance of the commitments by the players to try and win another premiership - shame on you!!!

I think you are getting inconvenience confused with integrity . What does living out of a suit case have to do with the integity of elite competition. Bet your life that past players who slogged the marathon of a full strength competion, with 44 players per club capable of putting a full compliment of AFL ready players on the field each week for the duration of a home and away season and then a full finals campaign for full length games thoughtout the full campaign will argue hard that the flag they won is a proper flag.

And something tells me that the premiership players from the Asterisk Cup won't be arguing with past premiership players that thier flag was harder and elite grade becuse they were boarded up in a 5 star resort and living out of a suitcase.

[takeaway]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Haha SK, I'll never agree that this year is what you infer to be an inferior championship.

If anything this is a much tougher challenge for the 18 teams than ever before, with teams under immense pressure to contend with the deprivations of life in interstate hubs for extensive periods, many players away from their loved ones, living out of suitcases, restricted severely in their daily movements and under constant surveillance lest they contravene the AFL rules around COVID-19.

And you have the gall to diminish the full significance of the commitments by the players to try and win another premiership - shame on you!!!

I think you are getting inconvenience confused with integrity . What does living out of a suit case have to do with the integity of elite competition. Bet your life that past players who slogged the marathon of a full strength competion, with 44 players per club capable of putting a full compliment of AFL ready players on the field each week for the duration of a home and away season and then a full finals campaign for full length games thoughtout the full campaign will argue hard that the flag they won is a proper flag.

And something tells me that the premiership players from the Asterisk Cup won't be arguing with past premiership players that thier flag was harder and elite grade becuse they were boarded up in a 5 star resort and living out of a suitcase.

Agreed. Anyone who thinks this year's cup has the same value as a normal season is kidding themselves. A different challenge certainly but more a challenge of overcoming obstacles/unknowns rather than pacing out the long season, getting into a good position for a finals campaign, and peaking at the right time - just a pure football challenge. The shorter quarters imo have substantially diminished the spectacle as well.

[The_Dud]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Until such time as it actually occurs ... no. I don't think it's going to be any bigger issue this year than other year. In fact - it's been blatantly horrible in years past with the likes of the Kreuzer Cup etc. The shorter quarters are a bigger issue than tanking at present. The fact that there's less time to claw back a deficit and that no one's come from behind after a 3/4 time lead (except Nth over us) exemplifies this. In a 17 game season - there'll be more teams in it for longer anyway.

There'll be some clubs who don't have to care about member numbers etc that may send ppl home and not give their best effort but, I think there's a lot of other teams that really need to put in as good a showing as possible to retain their members for next year. It's one thing getting members to leave the cash that they've already paid but, you can't then expect clubs to get members to sign/re-sign if their team is clearly bottling it.

Absolutely no comparison to past years with regards to the tanking issue, this year's results are comprised in so many ways with comparison to past seasons and the tanking issue effecting the integrity of results is probabably at the smaller end of the scale with regards to the integrity of the Asterisk Cup. Teams more than ever before will be putting the cue in the rack, and quite early which will make it much easier to win and make finals. I reckon though if Covid-19 hasn't completely derailed the comp by the time finals arrives then the finals might be a really interesting landscape.

Haha, a few more of your “guarantees”

How are the TV ratings?

How’s the soft tissue epidemic going?

Still backing GC to win the cup and WCE have given up because they’re not interested???

Keep it up SK, gives us all laugh! This year is no more or less compromised than any other year

[CQ SAINT]

Unheard of. Teams with no hope of making the finals tanking? Who would think of such a thing. Asterisk for sure. I hope Geelong are first, then Essendon and then WC, Melbourne, GWS, Hawthorn and Brisbane. Oh, hang on.
Nah, second thoughts, I'll still be happy with an asterisk.

[Secret Kiel]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Until such time as it actually occurs ... no. I don't think it's going to be any bigger issue this year than other year. In fact - it's been blatantly horrible in years past with the likes of the Kreuzer Cup etc. The shorter quarters are a bigger issue than tanking at present. The fact that there's less time to claw back a deficit and that no one's come from behind after a 3/4 time lead (except Nth over us) exemplifies this. In a 17 game season - there'll be more teams in it for longer anyway.

There'll be some clubs who don't have to care about member numbers etc that may send ppl home and not give their best effort but, I think there's a lot of other teams that really need to put in as good a showing as possible to retain their members for next year. It's one thing getting members to leave the cash that they've already paid but, you can't then expect clubs to get members to sign/re-sign if their team is clearly bottling it.

Absolutely no comparison to past years with regards to the tanking issue, this year's results are comprised in so many ways with comparison to past seasons and the tanking issue effecting the integrity of results is probabably at the smaller end of the scale with regards to the integrity of the Asterisk Cup. Teams more than ever before will be putting the cue in the rack, and quite early which will make it much easier to win and make finals. I reckon though if Covid-19 hasn't completely derailed the comp by the time finals arrives then the finals might be a really interesting landscape.

Haha, a few more of your “guarantees”

How are the TV ratings?

How’s the soft tissue epidemic going?

Still backing GC to win the cup and WCE have given up because they’re not interested???

Keep it up SK, gives us all laugh! This year is no more or less compromised than any other year

Be careful your head doesn't explode.

[The_Dud]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Until such time as it actually occurs ... no. I don't think it's going to be any bigger issue this year than other year. In fact - it's been blatantly horrible in years past with the likes of the Kreuzer Cup etc. The shorter quarters are a bigger issue than tanking at present. The fact that there's less time to claw back a deficit and that no one's come from behind after a 3/4 time lead (except Nth over us) exemplifies this. In a 17 game season - there'll be more teams in it for longer anyway.

There'll be some clubs who don't have to care about member numbers etc that may send ppl home and not give their best effort but, I think there's a lot of other teams that really need to put in as good a showing as possible to retain their members for next year. It's one thing getting members to leave the cash that they've already paid but, you can't then expect clubs to get members to sign/re-sign if their team is clearly bottling it.

Absolutely no comparison to past years with regards to the tanking issue, this year's results are comprised in so many ways with comparison to past seasons and the tanking issue effecting the integrity of results is probabably at the smaller end of the scale with regards to the integrity of the Asterisk Cup. Teams more than ever before will be putting the cue in the rack, and quite early which will make it much easier to win and make finals. I reckon though if Covid-19 hasn't completely derailed the comp by the time finals arrives then the finals might be a really interesting landscape.

Haha, a few more of your “guarantees”

How are the TV ratings?

How’s the soft tissue epidemic going?

Still backing GC to win the cup and WCE have given up because they’re not interested???

Keep it up SK, gives us all laugh! This year is no more or less compromised than any other year

Be careful your head doesn't explode.

I think my head is going to stay intact, sounds like another one in the 'wrong' prediction column for SK!

[Secret Kiel]

It's not just tanking too that errodes integrity this season. Lots of events and circumstances, the list is long, I mean you have the game that was forfeited due to an infected player that wasn't infected. So two clubs in the comp that didn't have to turn up for a game just to mention one. And the integrity issues will continue to rise as the comp progresses and stumbles along.

But full credit to those who are keeping the show going.

[SaintPav]

Still, compromised season or not, if we are going to win only one flag over the next few seasons, I hope this isn't the season we do it.

[kosifantutti]

It's not just tanking too that errodes integrity this season. Lots of events and circumstances, the list is long, I mean you have the game that was forfeited due to an infected player that wasn't infected. So two clubs in the comp that didn't have to turn up for a game just to mention one. And the integrity issues will continue to rise as the comp progresses and stumbles along.

But full credit to those who are keeping the show going.

You know that game is going to be played.

[shanegrambeau]

Players and managers mutually benefit one another by showing up for work.

Players in the last eight rounds of any season, often do themselves (and their managers) any number favors disproportionately to their overall season performance.

By leaving a good 'brand' on the table, seasons end, they will be in a better bargaining position. Finish 6th in B&F counts at the contract table.

Moreover, players maintaining effort will be seen as 'good characters' and 'team leaders'. Both will bode well for them.

Players who decide it is a good time to get that 'ankle' taken care of early, in order to be 'ready for next season' might not do themselves much harm, but they will have to find their way back to contention and then 'owe' something.

I think they will keep trying.

Coaches on the otherhand, well, tanking might be on the cards.

[Trev from the Bush]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Really looking forward to not having a beer with you at our premiership celebrations SK.

[Secret Kiel]

It's not just tanking too that errodes integrity this season. Lots of events and circumstances, the list is long, I mean you have the game that was forfeited due to an infected player that wasn't infected. So two clubs in the comp that didn't have to turn up for a game just to mention one. And the integrity issues will continue to rise as the comp progresses and stumbles along.

But full credit to those who are keeping the show going.

You know that game is going to be played.

So does that mean currently there are two teams in the comp that have played one less game, and that sometime closer to the finals they have to play a makeup game??

If that's the case how does that effect the teams in contention for finals and thier training loads?

[Secret Kiel]

With just 8 rounds to go it will soon become clear which clubs will be out of contention to play finals in this 17 round season.

This raises some really interesting questions, because those clubs out of contention will be faced with some crucial decisions about their remaining matches - do they continue to play their best 22 or will they put their better players "on ice" to avoid the risk of major injuries.

Then there is the question of players of those Victorian clubs in Qld hubs wanting to go back home, not an unreasonable proposition as living out of a suitcase for months, away from families and friends, when there is nothing but pride to play for is far from ideal.

The prospect therefore of teams "tanking" will be a major challenge for the AFL, as it could well have a big impact on the outcome of games between finalists and the bottom teams, and influence where teams finish in the top 8.

You took a while but it would appear you finally grasped the meaning of the Asterisk Cup.

Would you agree the Asterisk is getting bigger.

Really looking forward to not having a beer with you at our premiership celebrations SK.

Look you know how this rolls Trev, if we win the Asterisk cup I will celebrate as hard as I did the last time we won a pre season comp.

[kosifantutti]

It's not just tanking too that errodes integrity this season. Lots of events and circumstances, the list is long, I mean you have the game that was forfeited due to an infected player that wasn't infected. So two clubs in the comp that didn't have to turn up for a game just to mention one. And the integrity issues will continue to rise as the comp progresses and stumbles along.

But full credit to those who are keeping the show going.

You know that game is going to be played.

So does that mean currently there are two teams in the comp that have played one less game, and that sometime closer to the finals they have to play a makeup game??

If that's the case how does that effect the teams in contention for finals and thier training loads?

Every team is having a bye. Melbourne and Essendon have already had theirs.

[CQ SAINT]

It's not just tanking too that errodes integrity this season. Lots of events and circumstances, the list is long, I mean you have the game that was forfeited due to an infected player that wasn't infected. So two clubs in the comp that didn't have to turn up for a game just to mention one. And the integrity issues will continue to rise as the comp progresses and stumbles along.

But full credit to those who are keeping the show going.

You know that game is going to be played.

So does that mean currently there are two teams in the comp that have played one less game, and that sometime closer to the finals they have to play a makeup game??

If that's the case how does that effect the teams in contention for finals and thier training loads?

Essendon and Melbourne are due for a bye soon. Technically they have already had it. But, if they leave it late enough they will both be out of contention and they can have a big tankfest.
Yes I said tankfest. Not to be confused with the subject of this thread. 8 teams will play finals, one team will win a Grand final. Then there will be more mass debates about asterisks. Did you see what I did there, twice.