So, we dont normally talk about non-fantasy issues here at Too Serious, but theres been a lot of talk about it recently, and having a voice here, I cant help but say my piece.

As I see it, the major issue revolves around one point.

A club can recieve a long term gain though a short term failure. And that is the crux behind the issue.

I reckon the AFL sees this, hence they cut the priority pick back to two seasons of failure. Which is a good start, however, I dont think theyve gone quite far enough.

I believe that the current system is in place in order to enable the "bad" teams to improve, and keeping the system cyclical so that teams can move up and down over time.

However, looking at this year, if the ladder stayed as it is, last years grand finalist would be getting a better draft pick than a team that would be missing its 5th final series in a row.

So, Ill pose the question - What makes a successful season? The obvious answer is - A grand final win.

Being from a struggling bombers outfit, I would go out on a limb and say - making the finals.

So, can we play with this? What if we made the finals decide who got the draft picks?

What if we created a system that sent the higher draft picks to those clubs that have been struggling over a prolonged period of time?

Follow me here, cause this is the crux.

What if the draft order was determined by how long a team has been out of the finals series? (draws in that time would then take this years results into it).

Essentially, if this year stopped right now, the draft order would be as follows.

<!--more-->Richmond (8 seasons)
Essendon (5)
Melbourne (3)
Fremantle (3)
West Coast (2)
North Melbourne (1)
Sydney (1)
Hawthorn (1)

Port Adelaide
Carlton
Brisbane
Adelaide
Collingwood
Bulldogs
Geelong
St. Kilda

The net result would mean - It doesnt matter if a team tanks! It will *not* help them in a single season to tank. For Melbourne to win games, or for Richmond to win games simply wouldnt matter if they are out of the finals race.

However, it will see out the tactics currently used to lose games that are becoming a blight on our game.

Honestly, if you look at that list, that is probably close to the order that the draft picks *need* to go in to keep a cyclical system in effect!

I suppose the one possible negative I can see, is in this system, would it be better for the Bombers to throw games and finish 9th to secure the 2nd draft pick? Or would it be better to make the finals?

I know that for me, as a Bombers fan, I would be *loath* for us to tank out of the finals. What fan would want that?

Meh, I dunno, perhaps its just late and Im not seeing glaring holes in the structure... perhaps theres a little bias involved? I dunno, but to me, on the surface, it appears to be a fair system that allocates the best youth, the long term gain, to the teams that need it the most. At the same time, stamping out any reason for a team to tank.

Any thoughts?