AFL slammed after threatening clubs over tanking fear
The AFL has threatened clubs with fines for resting players in the final round, citing a need to perform on merit. Former player Jimmy Bartel criticized the move, labeling it a PR stunt that ignores the realities of player management and the new wildcard weekend format.
Why it matters
The tension between league integrity, player welfare, and commercial interests is a recurring theme in professional sports management.
- 9.44am . First published August 3, 2026 - 10.10pm
shares Share article Jimmy Bartel has shot back at the AFL ’s memo to clubs that claimed they would be cracking down on any team that rests players in the final round.
News surfaced on Monday that clubs would face fines if they are deemed to have breached the rule by not fielding strong teams in round 24, leading into the wildcard weekend that kicks off the finals.
“Please be reminded of the obligation in the AFL rules on clubs to ‘perform on one’s merits’, meaning that clubs must perform honestly and to the best of their ability,” the memo sent to all 18 clubs over the weekend read.
“While legitimate management of player fatigue and injuries is permitted, the AFL will scrutinise club team selection decisions in the lead-up to the AFL finals in the context of this rule.”
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