The Eagles are tanking big time according to Hutchy.Tigers' win eliminates pre-draft pick
Jon Ralph | June 17, 2008
FOR only the second time in a decade no club will earn a pre-draft priority pick after Richmond's win took it over the threshold of 16 premiership points.
The AFL will be hoping it might take the sting out of this year's tanking debate, with clubs now needing two consecutive seasons of four wins or fewer to qualify.
The Tigers have 18 points (including a draw) after their victory over Melbourne on Sunday.
The Demons, West Coast, Fremantle and Essendon could still qualify for a priority pick, but it would be awarded after the first round of the national draft. A total of 17 pre-draft priority picks have been awarded in the past decade.
The league is not out of the woods yet. West Coast's tactics against Essendon on Friday fuelled speculation the Eagles were hoping to maximise their draft order.
Daniel Kerr, Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher were rested with borderline injuries, midfielder Andrew Embley played full-back and star ruckman Dean Cox started the last quarter on the bench.
Three of the top contenders for the national draft - Nick Nautanui, Daniel Rich and Chris Yarran - are West Australians.
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