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Regardless of Friday's outcome, bombs will continue to drop on Essendon

Roar Rookie
16th September, 2014
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Roar Rookie
16th September, 2014
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It was almost 600 days ago that Essendon self-reported to the AFL, and yet we are still no closer to a conclusion.

Whichever verdict Federal Court Justice John Middleton delivers just hours before the first preliminary final, it will be a huge talking point, tarnishing yet another final series.

The AFL are already struggling this final series with poor attendances. Only 110,000 people attended the semi-final matches last weekend, more courtroom drama is the last thing the AFL want.

The AFL wants the Essendon issue to end, but it’s hard seeing that happening soon.

If Justice Middleton rules in favour with ASADA, show-cause notices will re-enter the 34 past and presents Essendon player’s letterboxes by Monday afternoon, and we will be entering another stage of the saga, which will drag on past grand final week.

If Justice Middleton rules in favour of Essendon, as horrible as it sounds, ASADA will go through the whole interview stage again, gaining evidence against the Essendon players to ensure that justice is met and show-cause notice are sent out to the 34 men.

This court case is only a sideshow in a much bigger the issue. Whichever way Justice Middleton rules, it will drag on, which poses the question when and how will this will end?

Will Bombers chairman Paul Little ask the Federal Government to step in as the circuit-breakers, or will the players just accept the show-cause notices and cop bans from the game?

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The best possible outcome for all parties is for the players to accept the show-cause notices and plea for a reduced sentence.

Although I can’t say which way Justice Middleton will rule on Friday afternoon, I can assure you it will not put an end to the saga.

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