AFL

An AFL memo requesting clubs ensure their teams ‘perform on one’s merit’ regarding team selection has been questioned by AFL coaches and pundits.

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The memo, sent to all 18 clubs by AFL football boss Greg Swann, stated: “Please be reminded of the obligation in the AFL rules to ‘perform to one’s merits’, meaning that clubs must perform honestly and to the best of their ability.

“While legitimate player management of player fatigue or injuries is permitted, the AFL will scrutinise team selection decisions in the lead-up to AFL finals in the context of this rule.”

The communication from the AFL comes as the end of the season nears and the possibility of clubs resting players for finals comes about.

For example, Fremantle have all-but secured the AFL minor’s premiership — their position may allow their players to be freshened up with rests before finals.

AFL coaches Luke Beveridge and Steven King made their position to clear to the AFL’s resting players stance on AFL 360, suggesting the situation was impossible for the governing body to police, while stating coaches will always do what’s best for their team.

“I’d question how the AFL could question a club, because you’re questioning the medical department from a club as well,” Bulldogs coach Beveridge said.

“I’m the coach of the Melbourne Footy Club. I’ll make any decision that’s best for our football club and best for the management of our players,” Demons boss King added

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Former St Kilda icon Nick Riewoldt was incredulous that the AFL had gone this path surrounding club’s team selection.

“They’re absolutely right. Like, who do the AFL think they are telling clubs how to best prepare themselves to win a premiership?” Riewoldt said on The Agenda Setters.

“It’s absolutely ludicrous, and I don’t see any way that they can actually enforce it.

“So you can hide behind anything you like. He’s a bit sore, he’s got a calf, and how is this any different to Collingwood resting a player so you can celebrate when you want to celebrate?”

“Stick your nose out, AFL, it’s got nothing to do with you.”

The ‘resting players’ debate infamously exploded in 2015 with both the Dockers and North Melbourne resting more than a third of their teams prior to finals.

The AFL answered by introducing the pre-finals bye in 2016, in a move to combat the integrity of the last round being compromised.

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