Dank says coaches took drugs

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that Essendon coach James Hird was fully informed about the nature of the program the biochemist was paid to run at the club. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

The scientist at the centre of Essendon's controversial performance supplements program says it was within the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

Stephen Dank speaks out on the ABC's 7.30 program last night. Picture: Channel ABC Source: Supplied

ESSENDON coaches took drugs that were banned for players, the former club sports scientist at the centre of the Bombers' drugs crisis claims.

Stephen Dank last night said coaches - whom he did not name - took substances not approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

"A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but, again, they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those," Dank said.

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In an explosive interview with ABC's 7.30, Dank also claimed head coach James Hird had full knowledge of the players' 2012 supplement regime, now at the centre of a doping authority probe.

Hird declined to respond to Dank's claims.

In other developments in the footy drugs scandal:

- AFL chief Andrew Demetriou said he had "serious concerns" about players mixing with bikies.

- CLUBS will be alerted in the next two weeks that phone taps have picked up the names of some players in contact with criminals.

- BLOOD samples could be sent to Germany as part of the investigation of Essendon's drug controversy.

- THE AFL maintained it could not notify a second club about an alleged rogue doper within its ranks.

Coaches are not bound by the restrictions WADA places on performance-enhancing drugs.

Dank stressed the substances administered to players were all "very, very legal and within the constraints of WADA".

Essendon's former sports scientist Steve Dank has told the ABC's 7.30 that coaches at the club took supplements that are prohibited for players. Courtesy: 7.30, ABC

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Dank stressed last night "all levels" at the club were given regular details of the supplements program.

"There was a collective involvement - you know it wasn't just Steve Dank," he said.

"There was certainly input from people outside myself. There was a very significant involvement from Dean (Robinson) as the high-performance manager, there was detailed discussion with James Hird, there was detailed discussion with the club doctor (Bruce Reid).

"They were sort of the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

Wing and a prayer for Bombers

On the coaches' own drug regimes, Dank alleged: "There were some differences in what we offered the coaches. Let's face it, the coaches themselves are not subjected to any WADA code.

"Off the top of my head three, four or five taking vitamin supplements, protein supplements.

"A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but again they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those."

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says his new Bombers teammates are anxious about the doping probe.

The sports scientist declared his innocence throughout the interview, saying he was a biochemist and supplement programs were regularly used at most top AFL clubs.

He denied injecting players with a banned substance and said he was "very surprised" when the club called a conference announcing it was unaware of what the program involved.

Dank said the only supplements intravenously supplied were Vitamin D and Vitamin C. He denied peptides were injected but said up to four different peptide formulas could have been given to players.

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"We had a program, it was well documented, it was discussed at all levels throughout the club in terms of what the supplements were and the regime and dosages, and what time of the day or week you know," he said.

Dank runs two other rejuvenation clinics in Victoria and NSW that he said ran programs separate to his work with elite football teams.

A substance known as GHRP-6 or peptide 6 - listed on Mr Dank's clinic website - is a human growth hormone banned by the Australian Anti-Doping Authority of Australia.

Dank admitted selling the substance but denied it was used on elite athletes. He also rejected links with criminal gangs.

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McIntosh out for three weeks

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh will miss three weeks after minor knee surgery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG recruit Hamish McIntosh has been dealt a blow in his return from a recurring knee injury.

McIntosh, 28, will sit out for up to three weeks after having surgery to remove fluid from the back of his knee.

Cats coach Chris Scott described the operation as only "minor" despite it being yet another setback for the ruckman cruelled in recent seasons by injury.

Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin missed the Indigenous All-Star Game against Richmond with a similar injury last week.

"It's the same knee, different problem but it's very minor," Scott said.

"It was something the surgery can fix quite quickly the surgeon tells us."

The former North Melbourne ruckman was sidelined last year after copping a knock to the knee in Round 7.

He resumed training late in the season before opting to go under the knife to replace his posterior cruciate ligament.

McIntosh was restricted to just one game in 2011 battling achilles problems.

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

Scott remains hopeful McIntosh will be right for the Cats Round 1 blockbuster against Hawthorn.

"Obviously that's going to put a little bit of a dint in his preparation for the early rounds of the season," Scott said.

"(We're) still hopeful that he might be OK for Round 1 but it's not a certainty."

Scott said the Cats would be without playmakers James Kelly, Paul Chapman, Nathan Vardy and Dawson Simpson (back) for this weekend's NAB Cup opener against West Coast and Fremantle.

Trent West is set to shoulder the bulk of the load at the stoppages while exciting half-forward Travis Varcoe is expected to play.

Meanwhile, Brisbane utility Brent Staker will miss six weeks following minor surgery on his left knee.

Staker missed all of last year after undergoing a full reconstruction on his right knee following LARS surgery in 2011.

The 28-year-old will be restricted to light duties during his rehabilitation.

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Drug claims tarnish AFL: Buckley

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says he feels for Essendon and rival coach James Hird. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley believes football's reputation is suffering from the lack of detail in the Australian Crime Commission's claims about drug use in sport.

Buckley said he had not been made aware any of his players were being investigated or linked to performance enhancing drug use.

Buckley said he sympathised with Essendon coach James Hird and wanted more specific information about the alleged drug problems which he believed were clouding the AFL playing group's reputation.

"For the 12 hours after the announcement last week, you were wondering 'geez', that's a lot worse than what I expected and what I thought," Buckley said.

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"And you would generally think that an individual here and there being apart of it and it is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that.

"But I wouldn't think it would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

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AFL can tell club under doping cloud

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou knows which club the rogue doper played for. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: THE AFL has been given permission to notify a second club it has a player under investigation for possibly taking performance enhancing drugs.

The Australian Crime Commission said in a statement this afternoon:

"Following a request from the Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL), I have granted permission for both codes to confidentially notify the specific clubs within their respective codes that were identified in Project Aperio.

"Once notified, a club may choose to make it publically known that they have been notified.

"The Australian Crime Commission can not name clubs and individuals, as they are protected under Section 60 of the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 which protects the rights of persons against reputational damage and the right to a fair trial.''

Earlier the AFL said it knew what club the league's rogue drug taker belonged to, but did not know who he is nor could it tell the club in question.

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AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said it is up to the club in question to reveal information to the public if it chooses to.

"You have to understand that the ACC with their extraordinary coercive powers, they may have already spoken to the club for all we know, they may have already spoken to the player, I don't know that,'' Demetriou said.

"That's entirely up to that club (to then come forward). I don't know whether they have spoken to the ACC and I don't know if the player has spoken to the ACC.

"I think it's very important in the light of the uncertainty that ASADA conducts its investigations ... as it would normally, to do it diligently, that we co-operate with them, that the club and player in question co-operate with them and it's dealt with so that everyone knows who that player is and they're dealt with under the WADA code.''

Demetriou admitted that due to the ongoing investigation a player suspected of performance enhancing drug taking may play in this month's NAB Cup.

"There is that chance,'' he said.

"But in normal circumstances if a player had tested positive to performance enhancing drugs ASADA would be conducting its investigation in private, confidentially, we wouldn't know about it.

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 "And there's a potential that that player would be playing in that situation and if they are found to be guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs they will be dealt with under the WADA code.

 "And it's the same here, the only difference is this is being done in public.

"We understand the concern that people, our supporters, our corporate partners and others would have on this issue, but what I can assure you ... is that at the moment this relates to two cases, one, which you know is Essendon, and the other is one player at one club.''

Demetriou didn't try to downplay the magnitude of the ongoing crisis, but insisted he had complete faith in the code he runs his eye over.

"At this stage the AFL is only aware of two specific cases where WADA prohibited performance enhancing drugs have been used in the AFL,'' he said.

"We've already discussed the situation with the Essendon Football Club which is undergoing investigation and there is one other player at a club, whose identity we don't know, who will be investigated by ASADA.

"So this is not a widespread problem in our code. Have faith in the game and come along and watch your football team play because the AFL has been at the forefront of (eliminating) performance enhancing drugs.''

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Scouting report: Intra-club matches

Mick Malthouse has a word to Andrew Walker during the Blues' intra-club. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

YOU could be forgiven for not knowing, but the Sherrins have already been bounced at most AFL clubs.

The weather forecast is still in the 30s, cricket is still on television at night and the calendar still reads February, but intra-club practice matches are under way.

With the NAB Cup just four sleeps away, SuperFooty has gone behind the scenes to dig out all the gold from your club's low-key trial matches.

Get your SuperCoach notebook ready.

CARLTON

ABOUT 10 first-choice players were rested for the first hit out under new coach Mick Malthouse's watchful eye. But there was an air of familiarity, with both Blues sides clearly intent on hugging the boundary, as the Pies were under Mick's reign.

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Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair's final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O'Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.

The Blues will play another scratch match on Friday.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Hampson is tackled by Brock McLean during a Carlton Blues AFL Intra-Club match at Visy Park on February 6, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies' structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn't lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood's biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don't expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan's fitness is supreme.

ESSENDON

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He'll miss Friday night's NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard's pre-season continues to be outstanding.

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Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.

RICHMOND

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick's best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.

AllStars v Richmond,Alice Springs,Dustin Martin caught holding the ball, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes' class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne's offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints' second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.

St Kilda intraclub practice match at Seaford. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ADELAIDE

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide's load sharing.

The battle to be Tex's sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne's clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers' trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle's best three players – Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy – sat it out.

PORT ADELAIDE

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent – Port Magpies – and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port's prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.

Jake Neade handballs to Kane Mitchell Picture: Simon Cross Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham's midfield and forward work excited Sydney's coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year's breakout season.

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BJ reflects on Dons' madness

Brendon Goddard (middle) has reflected on Essendon's week from hell. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

IN AMONGST the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh.

The star recruit today became the first Essendon player to front the media since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke nearly a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

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"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things,'' Goddard joked, referring to the Saints colourful recent history he has had to deal with.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his teammates feeling given the performance enhancing drugs allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious,'' Goddard said.

AFL can tell club under doping cloud

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected.

"I don't think fearful is the right word, but anxious understandably.''

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Has the reputation of the club and its players been unfairly tarnished by the allegations?

"I don't think tarnished, it's all allegations at this point so nothing's been proven,'' he said.

"I don't think at this point we could make those calls.''

And what do you say to the Bombers supporters questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night so I hope to see a lot of the Essendon supporters there on Friday.''

How insignificant a triangular NAB Cup date with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs must seem in the grand scheme of things.

But at the moment that's all the Bombers players have to distract themselves from furore going on around them.

And as the player prepare for what may well be the biggest battle in their playing careers _ the fight to prove their innocence and protect their reputations _ Goddard reverted back to footy cliché to sum up the impending struggle.

"What we've talked about as a group is what we can do as a team and as players,'' he said.

"And all that is is from Monday to Friday (concentrate) on our preparation and obviously once the season comes around control the controllables.

"As a team we've really helped each other in certain situations and talked about what we've got to do. We've got to control what we can control and that's really important for us as a playing group to move on.''

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Cats leaders seek to ease minds

Geelong CEO Brian Cook, along with president Colin Carter, has written a letter to fans. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG has taken the step of writing a letter to its members and supporters to assure them they need not fear an AFL or ASADA investigation into the way the Cats have run their sports science team throughout their recent dominant era.

With Dean Robinson - Essendon's now-suspended high performance manager - having started his career in the AFL at Simonds Stadium, the microscope has been turned on the Cats in recent days.

Robinson worked at Geelong - premiers in 2007, 2009 and 2011 - from 2007 to 2010.

Today, Geelong president Colin Carter and chief executive Brian Cook, who last week assured fans they had nothing to fear, reiterated that view by issuing a joint 'open letter' to fans on the club's website, saying it welcomed the widening investigation by the AFL and ASADA.

"Let me assure you that we have nothing to hide. Our processes are robust and we are confident that they stand up to any examination," the letter said.

"However, we know that this will not be enough for some people who will doubt the legitimacy of the game and are disillusioned. And so, we believe it is important that the story of a club that did everything "by the book" and achieved great success through hard work, professionalism, team work, unity and commitment should be celebrated."

The club leaders were also eager to defend their own medical team, saying many in the sports science team were having their reputations questioned.

Dons, one player in ASADA sights

"We want to make clear that we are proud of our people who work in this area of our club. They make an important and very professional contribution as part of our team," Carter and Cook wrote.

"We cannot comment on how other clubs operate but we can assure you that it is our doctors who directly determine all treatments and the use of all supplements by our players. We believe our protocols are best practice and that is why we are confident in our position."

The Cats' bosses said they were looking forward to erasing any doubt from the outside world, but more importantly easing the minds of supporters.

"We are confident that when the dust settles on this investigation we will be seen as we have been in recent years - a successful club that goes about its business in the right way."

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Watters confident Saints are clean

St Kilda coach Scott Watters, left, and captain Nick Riewoldt. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

St Kilda coach Scott Watters yesterday admitted the shock and scale of the Australian Crime Commission's explosive report made it difficult to avoid distracting the players.

Watters said the club had addressed the players and staff on their responsibilities to the AFL and the game in general.

"I think initially players need to be informed and we've done that internally. We certainly want our players to be educated and have an understanding of their role and their place within everything that has been discussed," the Saints coach said after the first intraclub practice match at Seaford.

"At the same time, they're here to play footy. That's what they love doing and that's our core business. So, really it is business as usual for us. The footy's a fantastic distraction for a lot of things that happen.

"As a coach, we're very focused on what we do. So, it's about limiting the distractions to our players. Because of the enormity of the stories that are out there, that's a challenge because we're all affected by it.

"Having said that, players want to play, individuals want to get better, coaches want their sides to improve and we'll remain focused on the here and now and ultimately try and make every second count.

"It's a time when the game's being challenged and we need to sit back and have a real close look at it."

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Watters said, like everyone, he was shocked by the Australian Crime Commission report that uncovered links between organised crime and performance-enhancing drugs being used by elite athletes.

And the Saints are another AFL club that immediately conducted an internal audit of all daily procedures.

"There has been an enormous amount of opinion and comment on what's gone on. Everyone in the industry, it has caused us to reflect. You wouldn't be human if that's not the case," he said.

"You do look at your internal processes. We're really comfortable and really reassured where we sit, the importance of our doctor being the ultimate filter on anything that happens here, medically. That's something that we've always had, but it certainly brings that into focus.

"It also causes you to look at your staff and we've got staff here that I have full confidence in the ethics they bring to the football club.

"Whilst you always have to be vigilant, we're really comfortable from a process and staff point of view. But it's a testing time for everyone and we're part of that.

"It (ACC report) was certainly some interesting reading. Obviously, we'll all sit back and wait to see where it all goes."

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Dons investigation may take months

Gill McLachlan, AFL's CEO fronts the press to relay the latest information regarding AFL clubs and players under scrutiny.

The AFL says it is aware of only two specific cases where players or clubs may have breached the league's WADA code.

AFL deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan addresses the media on Sunday. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON are set to start the AFL season under a cloud of suspicion, with an investigation into the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs by multiple Bombers players likely to take months to complete.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Sunday Essendon was the one AFL club being investigated for possible multiple breaches of the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) code following the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report.

"I think it's reasonable to say, given that the Essendon football club has come forward to the AFL and to ASADA, and proactively advised us of concerns they have, it's reasonable to talk to that," McLachlan said.

"The AFL is aware of potential multiple breaches at that club."

A single player from another club was also being investigated, although McLachlan refused to reveal his identity.

Bookies suspend bets on Bombers

"The AFL is aware of one case involving the possibility of WADA prohibited performance-enhancing drug use by one player at one club," McLachlan said.

"The AFL is aware that a second case involves the possibility of WADA prohibited performance-enhancing drug use by multiple players at one club.

"In this case it's possible that players were administered the WADA prohibited substances without their knowledge or consent."

The Bombers play the opening match of the home and away season against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on March 22.

It was unlikely the investigations into alleged drug abuse at Essendon and by the other player would be completed by then.

Cats' bosses write letter to fans

"It's not going to be as quick as everyone would like," McLachlan said.

"The reality is that the investigators, which is ultimately ASADA in partnership with the AFL, have to get the right answers and that will take as long as it takes.

"It's more likely to be months rather than weeks."

That means that if Essendon or any of their players are found guilty of doping breaches, any penalties would be imposed after the season had begun.

AFL vows to save our game

Essendon went to the AFL with concerns over supplement use before the ACC handed down their report on Thursday.

But it was not until Sunday, when federal Justice Minister Jason Clare said any AFL or NRL clubs under suspicion could out themselves, that the AFL confirmed Essendon were the club named in the ACC report for alleged multiple breaches.

"We've given the names of the clubs to both the NRL and the AFL," Clare said.

"And the NRL and the AFL have asked for permission to tell the clubs that are affected by the investigation."

Watters confident Saints are clean

McLachlan said the AFL was also aware of other cases involving illicit, but not performance-enhancing, drug use.

But the league had not been warned of any specific instances of suspected match fixing in AFL competition.

Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare admits that players have come forward in relation to doping, following the ACC's damaging report.

 

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Dons grill team over drug use

AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis says the roles of club doctors and medical professionals are being diminished sports science.

Essendon coach James Hird asked his players if they took drugs. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: The Advertiser

ESSENDON has interrogated every player on its list about using performance enhancing drugs as it continues to examine every aspect of the drugs scandal.

Coach James Hird, who fronted a Bombers board meeting on Thursday night, and football department boss Danny Corcoran this week summoned each player to individual meetings.

A meeting was also held yesterday in Canberra where Bombers chairman David Evans and chief executive Ian Robson met senior ASADA officials to ascertain the process of the investigation.

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At Essendon, several crisis meetings involving all the playing staff have been held, one of which was headed by Evans.

The players were told at one meeting the club did not know if they had been given banned drugs.

At the Hird meetings, the players were asked: Is there anything you need to tell us? Is there anything the club needs to know?

Each player answered no.

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Although the answer was expected, Hird is understood to have found great comfort from the meetings, further strengthening his belief that his players did not knowingly take performance enhancing drugs.

Sacked sports scientist Stephen Danks has denied he gave the players prohibitive drugs when using injections and intravenous drips when loading players with supplements.

Some of those injections were done off-site, across the road from Windy Hill.

Thursday night's board meeting heard everything from Danks' signing to his departure, his unorthodox practices, the signing of consent forms and why and the expectation ahead of the ASADA investigation.

Directors were told strength and conditioning coach Dean Robinson, who joined the club in 2012, insisted that Danks join him as his sports science sidekick.

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich says their players have been injected with vitamin supplements, but all above board.

Robinson has been suspended pending the ASADA investigation, but he's not expected to to return to the club.

Evans said yesterday it had been an "extremely difficult'' week for the players and their families.

"There's going to be a lot speculaiton, about our players, about our club and possible sanctions but remember not one of our players has not tested positive for any banned substance or performancing drugs,'' he said.

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