The Melbourne Demons Aussie Rules team were accused of tanking the end of their 2009 season to earn a better pick in the next AFL draft. Today the AFL announced that they were 'not guilty' of tanking, but the club was find AUS$500,00, the third largest fine in AFL history. The then-manager was suspended until next February and the then-ccoach was suspended for the first 16 games on next season.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cSkXNMhhmU]
Melbourne ended that season in last place and ended up with the top two picks in the 2009 draft. Its a peculiarity of Australian and American sport that the worst teams are 'rewarded' with first choice of new players into the league. While officially the Melbourne Demons have been cleared of tanking, the fines and suspensions show that clearly all wasn't above board.
