Tanking in AFL, coaches speak out.

[Xman]

The blowtorch came as former Melbourne president Paul Gardner said he had no doubt the club was tanking to gain draft picks in 2008 and 2009.

"They were clearly tanking," Gardner told the Herald Sun yesterday.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/AFL/AFL-to- ... 6438966390

This doesnt look good!

If this is true then Melbourne were indeed tanking and should be heavily penalised!

Its one thing to have a crap list but tanking for draft picks is cheating and is unfair on all the other struggling teams who genuinely deserve early draft picks too. The stupid thing is, where has it got them? theyre still crap 4 yerars later with no real sign of improving. What a waste of these years for their supporters.

I genuinely believed tanking was a myth but looking at these comments from the ex president it looks like Melbourne are one of few exceptions and were indeed guilty. Its a real shame. I actually know Dean Bailey. He was in the year above me at my school. Its very unfortunate that he was put in this very difficult position which potentially compromised his career as a coach.

I think you blokes owe Brock an apology.You trashed a good man and that is what upset me.You are entitled to your opinion and I love a good blue.But not at the expense of a good man.Excellent timing Mr Gardener but I suppose hell be called an idiot and a liar too.

Well I never called Brock a liar. My comments were:
1. he never said they lost on purpose which I think I was correct.
2. he left Melbourne under circumstances that were similar to the club he went to. I wasnt alone on this observation. Gerard Healy and sports tonight discussed it extensively one night.

I dont think I owe him an apology but Im happy to give him one if he thinks its needed.

[pookus]

1]Im talking about you not Mark Fraser.Set me straihght have you ever played or have you always been a spectator,im guessing by your smug officious approach it is the latter.

It is the former - at school.

2]When have you criticised the AFL,show me once.As I have stated just because there is no smoking gun doesnt mean it didnt happen.The fact is I have a witness and you have squat. How the hell does being an umpire give you credability in this argument, your a fool.And this is far from over trust me.

There is no smoking gun because it DIDN'T happen (the story above from Xman could well be from a disgruntled former official). I have criticised the AFL for going to Sydney for a second team before going to Tasmania. In fact I called West Sydney a dumb move from the get go. I have criticised the AFL for their "production line", where all their money goes. None goes to anything outside of that. They think that state bodies should look after that - and that's wrong. At various times in history they have put game development ahead of club development - when only New South Wales and Queensland needed it. My umpiring and my research puts me in touch with clubs and leagues of various varieties over a long period of time. As an umpire I had to deal with club officials with paperwork, whether it be team sheets or as required reports - and anything else on match day that may come up. In some cases it is up to the umpires to report the matter to the league because we are neutral. My research allows me to talk about club issues, and more importantly listen to what I'm being told. The variety puts me in an ideal neutral position to make judgements on several different issues. All that puts me way ahead of your "witness".

Far from over? Is that a threat? Come at me!

3]Please apart from sheer denial what point have you shown any proof that this didnt happen.Give me one example where you can say see I told you.You cant you have nothing and I have an inside witness which you want to trash to better your weak little ass. If you can find one person to back mup your claim that Brock is a Liar I will apologise and say I am wrong.You wont find one because they dont exist.

The AFL is doing a follow up investigation as a result of McClean's comments. And now we have this thing above. Let's see what the result of the investigation is before making a final decision either way. Or don't you have the guts to admit that the rule is innocent until proven guilty? You are not a judge, so stop behaving like one.

4]Dont call for punishment if you havent got the stomach to dish it out yourself.Rule number one of Mans club.

You are a bully, and therefore not a man. If you were a man, you'd admit that there is too much doubt and stop being a judge like I said.

5]AFL is a billion dollar business if you think joe black from the hampton league could step in and run it then you are truly one roo short in the top paddock.

As long as it's in another area away from the money handling - you bet "Joe Black" could do it. I could do it!

6]Since I have been reading this forum you have been rude insulting and provided very little.I must say that even though we sit on different sides of the fence KE has shown the ability to be way more open minded than yours truly. The only debate you have evr one is the Mass kind

KE open minded????? You don't know him very well do you?

Are you sure you aren't a closet thugby supporter? You're a joke. I've won most fights in here, and you are my latest victim. Slaughtered on experience in the great game of footy from a point of view that you have no respect for. An umpire and a historian. And a person who pays attention and takes in all sides and decides what is the truth. You choose not to believe me. Too bad if you don't want to listen to me. It shows that you aren't interested in another person's point of view because you've already decided that Melbourne are guilty. You have no right to press such a judgment on me. You are not a judge.

Youve won nothing you trully are a legend in your own lunch box.You tell me not to judge you but you put your foul smelling judgement on Brock.You hypocritical fool.Your the one calling for violence yet you proclaim to be ghandi. hand off it school yard champ.lolThe fact that you think you are better placed to speak than an AFL footballer currently in the system is hysterical you must be a riot at home lol.And my friend if you want to throw stones be prepared to wear one in the head.This is why you are an umpire you want to tell and not be told.I think you should take this argument up with paul gardener but im sure your better placed than him also.lol delusional little whistle blower.By the way how prophetic was that I told you this isnt over and low and behold another whistle blower.But obviously hes a liar and a moron.YOU GOT OWNED.

[Xman]

enough now.