Ramps' point is not so much about our first pick but moreso the prospect of losing the priority pick. 3 picks in the top 20 instead of just two (or even one if we now win our fair share in the next 12 weeks) is obviously a better scenario come draft time. It not only gives us a better opportunity to add more talented youth to our list which we need to strength our existing young core but it'll also give us greater flexibility to cut (senior) players not up it. It sucks that the draft system punishes winning by bottom 8 sides but that's the reality
. Ramps is just being pragmatic given the stupid draft rules and he's thinking about what is best for Richmond long term recruiting wise. I'm sure the new coach would love to have extra draft options to begin with.
Last night's win hasn't done any damage as far as losing a priority pick as we'll most likely be 2-9 at the halfway mark and the positive is the club gets a breather for a few weeks from the overzealous oppressive media and angry supporters wanting the club to react in the short-term. However, we only have 2 wins up our sleave now with the Eagles x2, Melbourne and North to come
. Honestly, is say 6 wins instead of 4 going to make us or the players feel any better come the November draft or round 1, 2010?
One other thing - players don't tank games; coaches and clubs however do tank. For example they play younger and inexperienced sides, or they give more gametime in the midfield to 2nd and 3rd tier younger mids, or younger rucks, or younger KPPs, or they play kids on gun opposition players, or they put senior players carrying niggles in cotton wool for the rest of the season. Whatever they do, it lessens the chances of winning while at the same time giving their youngsters more valuable AFL experience in an effort to accelerate their development for next year and beyond. So tanking in the AFL doesn't mean asking players to pull up like a paid-off jockey. It's rather coaches and clubs manipulating team selections and match-ups on the ground to get a "favourable" draft position.