Essendon under AFL investigation regarding 2012 fitness program

[cinder]

Didnt Hird claim this is the first he's heard of the issue

Surely he would have had visibility if his players were asked to sign waivers

If we can believe that (he had no knowledge), that's a sin in itself, surely the senior coach should be across everything his players are being asked to do. And if he isn't, then he something is seriously wrong somewhere.

As much as I can't stand Essendon, this is terrible for the AFL as a whole.

[comrade]

There not going to be forced out of the league, at worst they will get fined and lose draft picks.

That's exactly what would happen if the AFL were able to decide the penalty. Effectively a slap on the wrist.

However, ASADA would hand out the punishment which, from what is being written, would be significant (banned players etc).

Maybe we can get their Friday night games

[lemmon]

Anzac day would be nice...

[LostDoggy]

Post of the decade.

Please let Adelaide be implicated!

[always right]

Man I hope the other club is Hawthorn. Can't stand that sanctimonious little twerp who coaches them.

Seriously...sad day for AFL if true with potentially huge concequences. No-one will win out of this including us...despite some short term enjoyment for non-Essendon posters on footy boards.

[F'scary]

Man I hope the other club is Hawthorn. Can't stand that sanctimonious little twerp who coaches them.

If I remember what I read correctly, the other club is probably Gold Coast because the Weapon or his assistant also had a stint there.

[Go_Dogs]

If I remember what I read correctly, the other club is probably Gold Coast because the Weapon or his assistant also had a stint there.

Yes, The Pharmacist apparently spent a small amount of time at the Suns.

Will be interesting to see what follows. Every club president and CEO would've been in day long meetings being briefed by their sports science departments today I imagine.

[SonofScray]

Schadenfreude aside, is anyone else concerned about the knock on effects?

If the Bombers are forced out of the comp for a couple of years because of mass suspensions, the AFL's TV deal would, at best, need to be re-worked. We rely pretty heavily on that TV deal (even relative to a league that is heavily reliant on it), and as a relatively vulnerable club we rely on the general stability of the league, so anything that might erode that is a worry to me.

Yes. For that reason I think the AFL will fight tooth and nail to prevent any severe punishment, try and influence ASADA through strategic advice in support of Essendon. I.E get on the front foot, remove key players, pro active iin identifying the issue etc.

The league is hell bent on maintaining its perception of integrity, knowing that betting dollars and TV dollars are paramount. Anything that shakes up those dollars can impact us for sure. I'd not want genuine integrity to be put aside for those reasons though.

FOLD THEM!

[Go_Dogs]

Without having heard it, sounds like Mark McVeigh has been on radio this afternoon essentially dismissing all of the allegations.

[G-Mo77]

Without having heard it, sounds like Mark McVeigh has been on radio this afternoon essentially dismissing all of the allegations.

And came across as a complete twat in the process. His pot shots at Reimers were completely out of line considering the sensitive circumstances but I guess that is how these cheats are going to roll. Completely discredit the witness until he gives in.

[Dancin' Douggy]

The Weapon.
The Pharmacist.

Sounds like a Led Zeppelin tour.

What a f%#@K up.

[The Underdog]

And came across as a complete twat in the process. His pot shots at Reimers were completely out of line considering the sensitive circumstances but I guess that is how these cheats are going to roll. Completely discredit the witness until he gives in.

I don't it's that he came across that way, just an accurate representation of who he is.

[Remi Moses]

I don't it's that he came across that way, just an accurate representation of who he is.

If that's the case why did we have a presser and all the angst?
Deny, Deny Deny.

[SonofScray]

I don't it's that he came across that way, just an accurate representation of who he is.

100% agree. Worst 'tough guy' ever to wear the label.

[Twodogs]

The Weapon.
The Pharmacist.

Sounds like a Led Zeppelin tour.

What a f%#@K up.

Like TISM said "I"m John Bonham's COKE ROADIE!!!!"

And came across as a complete twat in the process. His pot shots at Reimers were completely out of line considering the sensitive circumstances but I guess that is how these cheats are going to roll. Completely discredit the witness until he gives in.

Yep. he very much came across as saying "We are Essendon so we cant possibly do anything wrong." The fawning and simpering from The Ox and Mark Allen was stomach churning. Especially the Ox-if he called McVeigh 'Spike' one more time I was going to throw up. I still have respect for Schwartz but it diminished significantly today.