Tanking a 'non-issue' for Tigers
richmondfc.com.au
By Mic Cullen Tue 04 August, 2009
TANKING is a non-issue for the players but is something the AFL could take a look at, according to Richmond skipper Chris Newman.
The public debate around tanking has intensified in recent weeks, and reached a crescendo after Sunday's Richmond-Melbourne game – which the Tigers won with a kick after the siren – with critics pointing the finger at several positional changes and lack of rotations from the Melbourne camp.
Newman said the topic was not discussed by players.
"No, no, we haven't talked about tanking at all," he said on Tuesday.
"I think it's always going to be bandied around at this time of the year, but it's a non-issue for us players."
However, Newman said it was something the AFL should probably have a look at.
"Oh, I guess so, it's worth having a look at, but as I've stated before, I think that [the draft is] in place for a reason, to try and make the competition as fair, as even as possible, and I think that it has that effect now," Newman said.
"That's up to the AFL to decide, but as players we just go out there and try and win every week."
Newman said talk about tanking was a blight on the game and that he had never considered doing it, especially given how rarely the Tigers have won in his time at the club.
He said the reaction of the Demons players after their loss showed that they were committed to winning.
"I don't like hearing the word, and all I can speak on behalf of is the players, and there's just no way known I'd go out there to lose a game," Newman said.
"I haven't been in too many successful years and too many successful teams, so every win for me is a bonus.
"I think that both teams were really desperate at the end of the game to get the points, and I think that if you saw the look on the Melbourne players' faces after the game, I think you'd realise that tanking probably wouldn't be bantered round their change rooms either."
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