North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson believes it would be a "stretch" for the AFL to dictate how clubs manage players ahead of the finals. The AFL's warning to clubs about resting players before the newly introduced wildcard round has not gone down well. "While legitimate player management of player fatigue or injuries is permitted, the AFL will scrutinise club team selection decisions in the lead up to AFL finals," AFL football boss Greg Swann wrote in a memo to clubs on Monday. AFL football boss Greg Swann issued a memo to clubs on team selection in the lead-up to the finals. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)Clarkson, whose North side won't feature in the finals, can understand the AFL's concern but believes it's too far.