Tanking: A Simple Solution

[Tony Braxton-Hicks]

It's mighty suspicious that the 13th team to date, the Bulldogs, have won 9 games so far while the next 3 teams have won no more than 4 - all enough to gain a priority pick if it weren't for the AFL's *smile*-up in scheduling Melbourne and Carlton to play tomorrow. Previous years have also tended to see three teams somehow fail to get to 5 wins, and therefore be rewarded with priority picks.

Watching Collingwood's finals-bound team last night, and a few weeks ago against us, I realised there is an alternative levelling mechanism to draft concessions: draw concessions.

The only reason the Pies have made the finals is because of a ridiculously easy draw. This made me think that a simpler way to help teams that are struggling would be to give teams that have won 5 games or less an easier draw in the following year by scheduling more games against the current year's bottom teams and maybe one fewer interstate trip.

I'm only half serious about this idea, but I think it would not be such a serious lure for clubs to tank, yet it would give them a leg up in the following year, giving them an opportunity to be more competitive, play in more winnable games and therefore maybe help membership and attendance revenues.

The draw is already an uneven playing field. We may as well acknowledge this and seed it to achieve a more equitable and "legislated" result while hopefully discouraging teams to lose.

 

[Tigers of Old]

Fair idea but unfortunately it won't happen Tony.

The AFL isn't interested in an equal playing field but they are interested in revenue.

Scumwood bring in the bucks and the AFL pander to them.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

This made me think that a simpler way to help teams that are struggling would be to give teams that have won 5 games or less an easier draw in the following year by scheduling more games against the current year's bottom teams and maybe one fewer interstate trip.

Unfortunately this would create similar situations. Any system which promises a guaranteed benefit for a defined level of non-performance is subject to rorting towards the end of the season.

The only way around this problem is to introduce a lottery of some description.

 

[Tigers of Old]

The only way around this problem is to introduce a lottery of some description.

Yep.
I like the idea I've seen where they break the 16 teams up into groups of four and then the picks are put into a lottery.
Therefor teams 13-16 could get selection 1 or selection 4.
I have no issue with Priority selections at the end of the first round as I think the quality of players is watered down at that point.

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

Yep.
I like the idea I've seen where they break the 16 teams up into groups of four and then the picks are put into a lottery.
Therefor teams 13-16 could get selection 1 or selection 4.
I have no issue with Priority selections at the end of the first round as I think the influence of players is watered down at that point.

By drawing a line between 12th and 13th, you create an incentive to be in the lower group. The cutoff has to be the line which separates finalists from non-finalists.

 

[Tigers of Old]

By drawing a line between 12th and 13th, you create an incentive to be in the lower group.

Fair enough.
I guess if you thought you might get a crack at dp1 you might tank from 12th to 13th. :spin

The cutoff has to be the line which separates finalists from non-finalists.

Where as your suggestion means 9th could still pick up dp1. 8)

 

[LeeToRainesToRoach]

Where as your suggestion means 9th could still pick up dp1. 8)

That's true.

I posted this very late one night without thinking about it too much.

9th - 2%
10th - 3%
11th - 5%
12th - 8%
13th - 12%
14th - 17%
15th - 23%
16th - 30%

Not saying this is the right solution, but it does have some symmetry. Of course, as you say, over a period of time the 9th side will inevitably pick up #1 at some stage.

 

[Tigerfan]

Fair idea but unfortunately it won't happen Tony.

The AFL isn't interested in an equal playing field but they are interested in revenue.

Scumwood bring in the bucks and the AFL pander to them.

YEAH!? Just imagine how much lost AFL revenue is due to richmond's woes.

 

[taraba]

Priority picks should just be at the end of the first round. That way you still get one of the best picks and an extra top twenty pick but the incentive to tank games would not be as strong.

 

[the claw]

doesnt help you out long term either tony. win more games and you get a later draft pick even though in reality you are worthy of an earlier pick. plus the following yr you play against more of the good sides and get hammered and you right back where you started 2 yrs before.

 

[GoodOne]

Downsides of giving teams an easier draw the next year:

* teams can perform vastly differently from one year to next
* lowly teams can ill afford to be drawn against other low teams thereby affecting potential revenue due to lower crowds
* as mentioned, doesnt totally negate tanking as there is still incentive to finish low

 

[Odduna]

How about just getting rid of the draft? ;D

 

[Al Bundy]

Fair idea but unfortunately it won't happen Tony.

The AFL isn't interested in an equal playing field but they are interested in revenue.

Scumwood bring in the bucks and the AFL pander to them.

Totally agree & they do not travel as much as other clubs.

Simple way to resolve is for the Tiges to start winning & our bigger crowds will come. It will force Fonzie Demetriou to reconsider who to look after. We keep losing then we will continue to travel & get a crap draw.

 

[Al Bundy]

The only way to solve the tank issue or perception of it, is to have a lottery in the draft & no concessional draft pick. Its random.

Starting with 9th, they get say 2 balls in a barrel increasing by a ball for every subsequent team till 16th who get 9 balls. Draw them out & thats your first 8 picks. The top 8 clubs follow suit as they finsihed. You might even consider the last 2 teams getting say 8 balls with last no getting an extra benefit.

But Dumbemetriou is too subborn to admit he is wrong or there is a problem,just like the hands in the back rule becuase its comes across it all about his ego & not the game. The quicker he & his crew are ousted the better it is.

 

[Tigerfan]

one problem is that the wooden spoon team doesn't get first pick

If they want to allocate a first round priority pick then it should be before that club's normal pick.

using that approach (and assume carlton lose tomorrow)

the draft order would then go

1. rich
2. carl(priority)
3. carl
4. melb

questions?

 

[blx]

tear a piece of a4 paper into 16 parts, name each one and then put em in a hat.

IMO it was always the fairest system in the land and still is today i reakon!

 

[AstuteTiger]

one problem is that the wooden spoon team doesn't get first pick

If they want to allocate a first round priority pick then it should be before that club's normal pick.

using that approach (and assume carlton lose tomorrow)

the draft order would then go

1. rich
2. carl(priority)
3. carl
4. melb

questions?

Totally agree if u finish bottom u get first pick and then any priority picks come therafter, *smile* i hope those scumbags win 2moro i just dont want them to get picks 1 and 3.

 

[Tigerfan]

smile* i hope those scumbags win 2moro i just dont want them to get picks 1 and 3.

my dead cremated grandfather (his ashes were dumped in port phillip bay) has more chance of falling pregnant than carlton do of winning their footy game tomorrow.

 

[AstuteTiger]

smile* i hope those scumbags win 2moro i just dont want them to get picks 1 and 3.

my dead cremated grandfather (his ashes were dumped in port phillip bay) has more chance of falling pregnant than carlton do of winning their footy game tomorrow.

Anything is possible and i only say this cause the dees do not want to lose their priority pick too plus go from a potential pick 2 to a pick 4, it aint over the line yet DDT. Perhaps its only wishful thinking from me but i am hoping they win.

It’s amazing it’s not only about Kruezner as the first couple of picks will always be good players, it’s just those bastards getting the first pick again and then having another pick at No 3.