stradbroke

MFC had to pay the costs for the 2 stooges running an 8 month investigation - hence the $500k fine. The MFC also had to toe the AFL line - else they would have been threatened with a reduced amount from the equilization fund. If it had been Collingwood or one of the other major clubs then Supreme Court action would have followed. Until the MFC increases it's supporter base, gets a decent draw and improves sponsership then being beholden to the AFL will continue.

As a matter of fairness, the AFL should be investigating supplement use at Essendon for a period in excess of the next 7 months. Let them play the season with a cloud hanging over them; just as the AFL has done to the MFC.

Yes, It is possible to be quite fair, even playing 22 games. There will be 5 teams played twice; 12 teams played just the once. A. Those teams that are played only the one time, the games are for 4 points. B. The teams played twice have only 2 points up for grabs in each match. C. The total points played by a team over a season are 12 by 4 points plus 10 by 2 points; being a total of 68 points. 34 points will need to be played at the home ground and 34 points at an away ground to take away home ground advantage. I am sure the AFL can still manipulate the draw (5 day breaks; playing at an away home ground; Collingwood playing most of their away games at the MCG and the like); but this makes the fixture as fair as possible. .