Crows can win the flag: McLeod

Adelaide legend Andrew McLeod talks footy with indigenous players Dellick Nelson,15, Gerard Watson,15, and Kingsley Nelson,15, from the Pipalyatjara community. Picture: Dean Martin. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE can put its off-season of turmoil behind it to win its first flag in 15 years, says Crows great Andrew McLeod.

As the Crows last night held a board meeting to consider whether to appeal against assistant coach Dean Bailey's 16-round AFL-imposed suspension, McLeod said Adelaide remained well placed to improve on last year's third placing.

He declared the club would not miss departed key forward Kurt Tippett and the players would not be affected by suspensions to Bailey, chief executive Steven Trigg and football operations manager Phil Harper.

"They can win it," said McLeod, who was Adelaide's grand final hero in its 1997 and 1998 premiership victories, winning consecutive Norm Smith Medals.

It wasn't Kurt Tippett who got them into the position they were in last year, it was the whole football team that did that

"It hasn't been the best off-season for them but I don't think it will impact the way they play their footy," he said.

"The players will move on and they proved last year they were good enough - they were one kick away from making a grand final - and there's no reason why they can't get back there and go further."

Adelaide Crows training at Naracoorte Football Oval, from left, Brent Reilly, Bernie Vince, Andy Otten, Ben Rutten and Scott Thompson. Picture: Sarah Reed.

McLeod said Tippett's loss to Sydney had been overstated and other players could fill the void left by the 202cm giant.

"If people concentrate too much on the Tippett factor, I think they are underestimating the power of the Adelaide Football Club team," he said.

"It wasn't Kurt Tippett who got them into the position they were in last year, it was the whole football team that did that.

"I think they've got some players there in (Josh) Jenkins and Shauny Mac (McKernan) who will be able to step up.

"And they've got some young guys who we saw on the weekend (in the NAB Cup) who have shown some great promise.

"I think the club is in good hands and has well and truly moved on from the sagas."

Adelaide will get one hand back on deck next Friday when Harper returns to work from his two-month ban for his involvement in the Tippett salary cap scandal.

Trigg is not allowed to return until July 1.

Bailey - suspended for his role in the Melbourne tanking affair - cannot work at Crows games or one-on-one with players at training once the season starts until after the round 16 clash with Collingwood on July 12.

He can fulfil other duties, such as game planning, scouting, list management and recruiting.

Adelaide is still angry at his ban and could still lodge an appeal with the AFL.

While McLeod is convinced the Crows will still be a force, he refuted suggestions from list manager David Noble the off-field issues that have rocked the club could galvanise the players.

"I don't think they need that sort of motivation. If you are looking for motivation that way then obviously you are not playing the game for the right reasons," McLeod said.

"They are highly motivated people.

"I'm sure they've spoken about it but you see them out there training and they are just worried about how they can improve on last year and go one step further and play in a (grand) final."

A SHATTERED Bailey continues to dodge the media but has been told by the Crows he should hold a short press conference to stop him being chased for comments.

McLEOD yesterday helped launch the Crows' Aboriginal Youth Leadership and Governance Program, which is designed to prepare Year 8 to 12 indigenous children to take on leadership roles in their communities and gain employment after school.

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Terms just don't add up

Essendon assistant coach Dean Wallis was banned for 14 matches after betting on football. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

OF everyone who assessed the punishments for Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly on Tuesday, you can only wonder what Essendon's Dean Wallis was thinking?

Or what Matthew Rendell was thinking?

Or the time-keeper or goal umpire who gambled?

Or Peter Blucher, or Stephen Trigg, or Kurt Tippett who were salary-cap cheats?

It ain't easy for the AFL to act as arresting officer, the prosecution and ultimately the judge on AFL issues.

And, indeed, you really can't think of a worse day for the AFL's PR than Tuesday, when Gil McLachlan was forced to explain the unexplainable.

Fair effort, too, from Gil because the lawyers had told him he had to swim between the flags and, unfortunately, for him, those flags were less than a metre apart.

At the very least, his comment that he didn't know what tanking was will be in the AFL's Hall of Fame of Hilarity.

Clearly, the penalties were negotiated, which is a concern.

If you're an integrity department investigating issues of integrity, then your integrity can't be compromised by making deals.

The AFL's punishment system, meanwhile, is out of whack.

In September, 2011, Wallis was banned from coaching activities for 14 matches, which was effectively until July, 2012, after laying three bets on AFL matches at a total cost of $400. He sat out longer than what Trigg will, after he copped six months for salary-cap cheating.

And he was a fortnight shy of Bailey's penalty, who was found to have been pressured into decisions on team selection and player positioning - which wasn't tanking, mind you.

So, Trigg cheated the cap, Bailey didn't tank but was suspended for something close to it, and Wallis put on a $100 quaddie.

Meanwhile, Rendell was sacked for making a racist comment, Tippett's manager Peter Blucher got 12 months for mishandling Tippett's deals and Connolly got 12 months for warning officials about the importance of losing matches in order to secure a priority picks.

And in 2010, there was the goal umpire who missed six months for punting $60, the trainee timekeeper who got whacked five weeks for placing a $5 bet, and the interchange steward who got six months for placing four bets totalling $9.

Think about that, again: The interchange steward got the same penalty as Trigg and Bailey.

If it's all about integrity, then maybe it's time the clubs asked for integrity officers to be placed in the penalties department.

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Support for draft lottery

Hawthorn Andrew Newbold supports a lottery system for the AFL draft. Source: Herald Sun

CLUB presidents Andrew Newbold and Peter Gordon want the AFL to introduce a lottery draft to eliminate any possibility of tanking.

Hawthorn president Newbold said a lottery should be implemented alongside a reward scheme for clubs finishing higher on the ladder.

"The lottery system is the way to go," Newbold said.

"We need to give fans the confidence that when their team runs out they're actually trying to win."

Gordon, the Western Bulldogs president, supports the first four picks in each round of the national draft being randomly allocated to the bottom four clubs.

But those views were not backed by Collingwood president Eddie McGuire, nor Carlton counterpart Stephen Kernahan.

McGuire said winning the wooden spoon again needed to become an "ignoble act" rather than "the first step on the road to recovery".

Similar to the NBA in America, an AFL lottery draft could see teams bracketed in groups of three or four to determine draft order.

If it were in place last year, Greater Western Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne or the Bulldogs would have had equal chance of receiving pick one in the draft.

"The lottery aspect should be limited to the four or five bottom teams each year and then revert to the existing ranking system," Gordon said. "This might solve the potential for tanking allegations to arise again."

Newbold agreed.

"As soon as you don't have confidence that you're team is trying to win you've got the potential to lose your fan base," he said. "I'm a strong supporter of the lottery system, as well as the compensation idea that you get paid more the higher you finish."

But McGuire and Kernahan are happy for the status quo to remain now the priority pick has been abolished.

McGuire said: "My position on it is the team that finishes on the bottom should get the first pick. We want to have an uncompromised draft."

Kernahan agreed: "Let's leave the system as it is and the AFL can review that in the next couple of years."

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Giants stars are locked in, Eddie

LOCKED IN: GWS Giants' 2011 No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is set to re-sign with the club. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

EDDIE McGuire's threat to "steal every one of the Giants' good players for the rest of his life" has amounted to nothing.

The GWS will shortly announce the re-signing of seven players, including 2011's No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton and No.3 and No.4 picks Dom Tyson and Will Hoskin-Elliot.

The AFL's 16th team is also in negotiations to extend the contract of last year's top selection in the draft, Lachie Whitfield.

McGuire's comments came a little more than 12 months ago when the Giants had expressed an interest in signing star Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury.

The Collingwood president was shocked by the audacity of the Giants, who were eyeing off Magpies players even after they had been given access to the best teenage players in the country.

McGuire's response was to declare war on GWS.

"I will set up a tent embassy outside their tumbleweed-blown ground up there in Greater Western Sydney," McGuire said.

"I will go feral. I will make it my life's ambition to run them into the ground."

The signings will mean every one of last year's eight Rising Star nominations has been locked away.

Spearhead Jeremy Cameron and ball magnet Toby Greene recommitted before last season ended, as did Stephen Coniglio , Dylan Shiel, Tomas Bugg, Adam Treloar and Devon Smith.

Dom Tyson, the No.3 selection in the 2011 draft, was the only Rising Star nominee to hold out in negotiations after Richmond made a serious bid for his services.

With the long-term commitments of co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis, plus vice-captain Tom Scully, the Giants now have the nucleus of players to build their future around.

Ward will be absent from Sunday's NAB Cup opener against the Sydney Swans and Carlton in Blacktown because of knee soreness.

But Whitfield will turn out in Giants colours for the first time.

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Two games, two suspensions

Geelong forward Steve Johnson talks to the umpire after striking Hayden Ballantyne. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG captain Joel Selwood says forward Steve Johnson must learn to control himself after being suspended for a second time in as many games.

Johnson was rubbed out for Geelong's blockbuster season opener against Hawthorn after striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash last weekend.

It was his second successive suspension, after he was banned from the Cats' elimination final against the Dockers last year for a bump on Sydney's Dan Hannebery in the final round.

Selwood said he addressed the issue with Johnson, who was upset he'd let himself and his team down.

"We spoke to him, absolutely," Selwood said.

"(We're) just disappointed in him and he knows he needs to change. He's more disappointed than anyone."

Johnson will be joined in the stands by midfielder James Kelly, who was also suspended in the losing final to the Dockers last year.

Selwood is no stranger to the match review panel either, cited twice last year, including a bizarre incident in which he was reprimanded for pushing over his older brother Adam.

The match review panel deemed Selwood had made unnecessary contact with an injured player.

Geelong had the second worst record with the match review panel last year, with players missing a total of 10 games through suspension.

North Melbourne was the worst with 12 weeks, although half of those came when veteran Brent Harvey was suspended for two incidents from their elimination final loss.

"We've got a lot of those. I've got (carryover) points, Kell's got points," Selwood said.

"As a footy club we've just got to make sure that we don't put ourselves in those positions."

Jimmy Bartel, Trent West and Josh Hunt are among other Cats to have carryover points hanging over them.

But Selwood said the ill-discipline was not borne out of frustration that Geelong was no longer the dominant team it once was.

"They're just little snaps, but even in saying that, those snaps have got to go," he said.

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Bombers buoyed by ASADA briefing

Essendon players set to be interviewed by ASADA in regard to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Essendon chairman David Evans has promised his members answers amid ASADA's investigations into the use of banned substances at the club. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON players were told by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority yesterday they could escape suspension under a World Anti-Doping Authority get-out clause.

With interviews with ASADA starting within days, the players were briefed on details of the "no fault or negligence" clause, revealed exclusively by the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

The clause allows athletes to escape punishment under "exceptional circumstances" if it can be proved they were given illegal substances against their consent.

Special clause: Ray of hope for Dons

Players were told by the anti-doping body they could argue that clause applied to them, even if it was eventually proved they were injected with illegal peptides.

That investigation could still take months, but players are known to have been overwhelmingly relieved that they could still be found innocent even if unwittingly caught up in the doping controversy.

Players would still have to argue their innocence - most likely in front of an AFL tribunal - but it is the first sign Essendon players could emerge unscathed.

It is known ASADA was extremely careful with the language used with players and, considering evidence that could emerge in the coming investigation, did not provide any guarantees.

The AFL will appoint another person to its integrity department, with two part-time members being elevated to full-time.

The AFL Commission also ratified an enhanced registry of club staff and personnel, including sports scientists, and agreed to adopt rules on mandatory reporting to the AFL of doping activities and approaches.

A second meeting for the parents of Essendon players and former Bombers caught in the controversy has been postponed until next week because of the short notice.

WADA's rule 10.5.1 on No Fault or Negligence states if an athlete can prove"in an individual case that he or she bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

Essendon and its players are not out of the woods, considering issues over the chain of command at the club and the potential use of intravenous infusions which are illegal under the WADA code.

But following the dark cloud that has engulfed Windy Hill, the players understandably were relieved by the developments.

Essendon chairman David Evans said yesterday in a video message to all supporters that ASADA was continuing with its investigations.

"ASADA outlined the process for the investigation to continue, including interviews with players, to determine if a prohibited substance had been administered," he said.

"I know our members and the football community want answers, and I ask that the club be allowed time to co-operate with the ongoing investigation."

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Roos hop to contracts

North Melbourne has re-signed co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for three years. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has signed vice-captain Jack Ziebell on a three-year contract extension and is poised to secure free agent Daniel Wells on a deal that will ensure he sees out his AFL career at Arden Street.

Ziebell, 22 next week, has committed to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

"From my point of view North Melbourne is a really exciting place to be around and I'm loving my time here, so it was just a matter of getting the terms right and away we go," Ziebell said.

"We've seen other players at other clubs where contract talks have become a big thing, so for me getting it out of the way and being able to concentrate on my footy was a high priority.

"With the exciting group of young blokes we've got at the club, why would you want to be anywhere else?

"North's been really great to me and I'm hoping I can return the favour over the next few years."

Ziebell had minor knee surgery last month but is in the Roos squad to play Melbourne and Richmond in the first round NAB Cup fixture at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

"It was just a little tidy-up and I only missed a couple of weeks. I was back into full training about three weeks ago and I'm ready to go," he said.

West Australian Wells is also in the squad despite having been nursed through pre-season with achilles soreness.

The 2011 club champion would be eligible for free agency at the end of the year, but the Roos expect to ink a deal this week that will also extend his contract until the end of 2016.

Wells spoke earlier this month about his desire to see out his AFL career with the Kangaroos.

"Hopefully I still have plenty of years," Wells, who turned 28 this month, said. "We have been through some tough times but we are a really good team and it's exciting to be part of and I want to help the young ones out."

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AFL considers blockbuster tax

The AFL is considering charging extra for blockbuster matches such as the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day clash. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

BLOCKBUSTER games could cost fans more to attend under a variable pricing concept floated by the AFL.

Extra revenue generated by a hike in gate prices above the standard $20, or possibly a tax on premium seating at high-demand games, would flow to the league's poorest clubs.

The AFL flagged the "variable ticket pricing" idea in an equalisation discussion paper sent to clubs last month.

Under a heading of "new revenue generation" it listed: "Possible examples include proceeds from variable ticket pricing."

The AFL has conducted research into variable pricing, which is common in the US, and has asked clubs for their views.

It's possible under the philosophy that prices could fall for low-demand games.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said blockbusters already paid their way and fans should not have to fork out more.

There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more

But Geelong has backed further exploration of the concept.

"Products that are in demand usually cost you more money," Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said yesterday.

"When you're playing sides that are on top of the ladder and draw big crowds, it costs you more to go to those games than games that are going to be least attended, that's the principal around it.

"In terms of how that will work, we don't know. If you look at models overseas, some are varying the gate admission price, some are varying the seat premium some are varying both.

"The AFL has been working on it for a little while. I still think it's a fair way off, (it's the) very early stages, I don't believe they would be looking at it for the 2014 season.

"It's an international model ... whether it is a relevant model for the AFL should be explored."

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said: "I've got no idea what they're talking about."

"Blockbusters already pay their way through television rights and through catering rights and through membership and through AFL membership," he said.

"There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more."

The AFL has variable pricing for finals - last year's prices ranged from $46-$85 in the first week of September to $200-$390 for the Grand Final.

Cook said the fans needed to be carefully considered.

"That's an issue, you have to make very sure that there weren't particular clubs that were going to be disadvantaged because the supporters paid more than other clubs' supporters," he said.

"You wouldn't want the brunt of this to be covered by Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton supporters.

"I think you'll find that variable pricing will occur not only for Collingwood but another eight or nine sides.

"I think Geelong would (be affected) when we play two or three teams when it's our home game, and then you've got the derbies interstate."

The AFL said the league's executive was given a presentation late last year by a group who had worked with American sports.

"A concept about price differentials depending on demand for matches is a simple summary," a league spokesman said.

"We would hope that we would have some material that we're able to relay publicly probably in the next couple of weeks.

"We have to assess the potential outcomes it may have. We think about the effect on fans with every decision we make."

Variable pricing is the norm in the US where the majority of teams in MLB, the NBA and NHL charge different prices for the same seat depending on the game.

These prices are set at the start of each season.

Many American sports and their teams also use "dynamic ticket pricing", where clubs re-price tickets during the season, sometimes the day before a match.

Prices can go up or down based on demand.

Geelong confirmed its support for variable pricing in its official response to the AFL equalisation paper.

Clubs had until this week to respond to the discussion paper.

Club chief executives and presidents will meet with the AFL executive on March 20.

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Geelong SuperCoach preview

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood should be a lock for players in SuperCoach Classic leagues. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WHICH Geelong players should you pick in your SuperCoach team this year and who should you avoid?

The Cattery boasts some of the best talent going around with the likes of Selwood, Johnson, Bartel, Enright and Corey capable of producing on their day.

But times are changing down the Princes Highway, with a new breed of Cat looking to extend the proud club's dynasty.

Mitch Duncan is one who could make a name for himself beyond the confines of the Bellarine Peninsula.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Add Allen Christensen, Travis Varcoe and Nathan Vardy to that list of exciting up and comers looking to leave their mark on the competition.

And, don't forget young George Horlin-Smith. The big-bodied midfielder put on a clinic in the Cats NAB Cup opener and could bob up as the year unfolds.

But with the new comes the collateral damage. The players who could get squeezed out, or at the very least find it harder to contribute.

A huge question mark remains over Hamish McIntosh (knee).

McIntosh is a class act with talent to burn but his body is letting him down.

James Podsiadly is another who might find it tough in 2013.

Podsiadly was dangerous in front of the big sticks in the NAB Cup but will having three talls (Tom Hawkins, Nathan Vardy) be too much firepower inside the arc?

Veteran enforcer Paul Chapman also poses a risk at $535,000 despite a strong preseason.

A barometer for the Cats, Chapman's numbers have fallen (116 to 100 average) over the past two seasons.

His dual position status remains a positive, but maybe wait for his price to drop somewhat.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

SUPERCOACH STAR

Joel Selwood (midfield) $629,500

Selwood is a must if you're going to be any chance of winning your Classic and Draft leagues. A point-scoring machine, Selwood does all the hard stuff our SuperCoach bean counters love. He tackles; he wins clearances; kicks goals; and, he gets plenty of the football along the way. Selwood averaged 117 points per game last year.

Geelong forward Steve Johnson's move into the midfield could be a boon for SuperCoach players. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

BANK EM

Tom Hawkins (forward) $508,800

Tomahawk came within a whisker of winning the Coleman Medal in a break out 2012 which helped guide the Cats to the finals. Hawkins finished with nine bags of 4+ goals including a seasons-best of six goals, on three occasions. A strong contested marker, Hawkins improved in most statistical categories. He can do it again and then some.

Steve Johnson (midfield/forward) $516,700

Stevie J is set to spend more time in the midfield after working on his endurance during the off-season. The mercurial forward's move up the ground bodes well for his scoring potential. Johnson averaged 96 points per game last year. A lock to deliver some big scores along the way, but beware -- he does miss Round 1 following his NAB Cup run-in with Fremantle antagonist Hayden Ballantyne.

Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan looks ready to take the next step. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

BUY EM

Mitch Duncan (midfield) $429,100

Duncan could be one of the success stories to come out of the Cattery in 2013. The young gun has slotted into the Cats midfield nicely in his 51 games and can only improve. Highly-rated, the tackling machine averaged 80 points per game last year. The apprenticeship is over. Get on and let the good times roll.

Travis Varcoe (forward/midfield) $268,900

Varcoe is due for some good luck after missing all but one game last year with a recurring foot injury. The speedster is expected to spend more time across halfback as the Cats look to exploit his pace to break the lines and create scoring opportunities. Varcoe also has the class to drift forward and kick goals, making him an ideal SuperCoach acquisition.

Allen Christensen (forward/midfield) $427,700

A combination of speed, class and a hardened edge makes Christensen ripe for the picking for SuperCoach Classic and Draft leagues. The small forward averaged a tick under 80 last year off just 16 games. He can improve in leaps and bounds with a third preseason under his belt.

Geelong forward James Podsiadly could find himself spending more time in the backline in 2013. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

BURY EM

Hamish McIntosh (ruck) $495,300

When fit, McIntosh is one of the best big men in the game. But it's keeping fit which has been the former North Melbourne ruckman's biggest challenge. McIntosh had "minor" knee surgery recently which is expected to keep him off the track for 2-3 weeks. McIntosh is not worth the risk until he can cement a spot in the team.

James Podsiadly (forward) $393,100

Tough on the much-loved J-Pod but it's hard to see him having an impact with a rampaging Tom Hawkins and fit Nathan Vardy the leading candidates inside the arc. Making matters worse, Podsiadly's SuperCoach ranking has slipped over the past three years following a breakout 2010 -- his debut season -- where he averaged 91 points. Despite starting up forward in the NAB Cup it's expected Podsiadly will spend some time in the backline during the season.

Geelong forward Steven Motlop will be looking to build on a solid 2012 campaign. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Steven Motlop (forward) $329,400

Motlop looks ready to take the next step in his career after breaking the shackles in 2012. The exciting AFL Rising Star nominee made a flying start to the season before fading late. He played 22 games and kicked 26 goals.

Jackson Thurlow (defender) $124,500

There are big wraps on this rebounding defender who has enjoyed a solid preseason. The Cats have form in blooding youth, more than any other club last year, so expect the Tasmanian-product to be given his chance.

Nathan Vardy (ruck) $239,700

Keep an eye on Vardy who must be champing at the bit to get back on the football field. The exciting forward prospect has played just 11 matches in three seasons hampered by recurring hip and shoulder injuries. Vardy has the potential of scoring big if he can keep his body intact.

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Kennett slams AFL Commission

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett slams the AFL Commission for dropping the ball on integrity. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the powerful AFL Commission has compromised the integrity of the game.

Kennett said the Melbourne tanking decision, the sacking of Adelaide recruiter Matt Rendell and Stephen Trigg's survival from the Crows salary cap rort was bad governance.

"I know they work hard and I know the chairman works hard, but they have allowed what I consider to be the highest standards of governance to be eroded," Kennett said.

"I think they could have overseen the upholding of higher standards.

"And they've got to accept collective responsibility for that.

"But my biggest worry is that it makes it difficult for the next time (a club offends).

"And they will. People will push the white line.

"Everyone might hold their breath for a year and then someone will start to ty and get an advantage and cross that line again."

The nine-person league commission includes chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, chief executive Andrew Demetriou, Paul Bassat, Linda Dessau, Richard Goyder, Bill Kelty, Chris Langford, Chris Lynch and Sam Mostyn.

"All of the people on that commission are people of substance. Each of them has experiences and qualifications that have them as leaders in their field - in the law, in commerce and unions. They are all eminent persons," Kennett said.

"But my concern is that the administration has always seemed to be driving the agenda.

"Andrew (Demetriou) is a very forceful character, instead of a CEO being invited to attend - and that's not unusual - but he has been there a long time.

"That also stifles a lot of debate and, when he takes up a position, he is often very difficult to turn.

"If you've got good governance practices in place you'll always be looking towards the long-term development and growth of the competition.

"And what has happened in recent times is there has been compromise after compromise after compromise.

"The Matt Rendell thing was just appalling.

"That man was driven out by senior officers of the AFL and by his club.

"It was unacceptable. But whether the commission should have intervened - or whether the commission even knew about it until after the event - I don't know."

Kennett said Trigg's survival for more serious indiscretions was a contradiction.

"This was a plain breach of the rules by senior people. And if that had happened in the organisation that any of those commissioners were running ... they would have been out of that job together. You would never come back," he said.

Asked about the Melbourne tanking investigation, Kennett said: "I don't understand how you are not found guilty - but you are fined and two of your officers are suspended."

He said the NRL's handling of the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal was an example of strong leadership.

Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos said the AFL shared some of the blame for the Melbourne tanking saga.

"I guess the biggest problem is the system created by the AFL to give teams the incentive to lose games of football," Roos told SEN.

"That was the system that was in place ... and clearly there were clubs that took advantage of that."

But Demetriou maintained yesterday on 3AW there was no evidence Melbourne had tanked.

The AFL declined to respond to Kennett's comments last night.

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