Is the coronavirus pandemic causing the shutdown of the league the biggest AFL controversy of the century?

Over the past 20 years there have been many scandals that sent shockwaves through the league and turned it upside down.

We've taken a look back at the 10 biggest AFL controversies since 2000.

Honourable mentions

Brisbane Lions using IV drips (2001)
Barry Hall's punch on Brent Staker (2008)
Ricky Nixon's 'St Kilda schoolgirl' incident (2011)
Kirk Tippett salary cap breach (2012)
Josh Thomas and Lachlan Keefe's drug ban (2015)
Adelaide Crows Collective Minds pre-season camp (2018)
Jaidyn Stephenson's betting scandal (2019)

But let's continue on with the real stuff...

9. Melbourne tanking scandal

Melbourne finished on the bottom of the ladder in 2009, with questionable coaching decisions costing them key matches late in the season. Some at the time asked whether Melbourne was tanking games to ensure top draft picks.

Those questions were answered in 2013, when the AFL found Melbourne guilty of tanking and damaging the game's integrity. Then-coach Dean Bailey and head of football Chris Connolly were suspended from their current roles and fined while Melbourne themselves were fined $500,000.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Dean Bailey coach of the Demons talks to his players during the round three AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 10, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)