Essendon’s controversial 2012 fitness program is set to come under the spotlight as part of an AFL and ASADA investigation into sports science practices at the club.
Sport scientist Stephen Dank was one of the key figures in the implementation of the club’s fitness program, but parted ways with the club at the end of last season following concerns about his treatment of players.
It is understood that the concerns relate to the administration of potentially performance-enhancing substances.
Essendon took the extraordinary step of calling a ten-minute press conference on Tuesday afternoon at AFL House to discuss the issue, with chairman David Evans flanked by coach James Hird and CEO Ian Robson.
Evans the club had gone to the AFL upon receiving information that supplements used by the sports science staff may not have fallen within ASADA guidelines.
He promised the club would “co-operate at every level” with the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) but denied the club had administered performance-enhancing drugs to players, stating that the Bombers were simply looking for a “clean bill of health” from the AFL.
The club had met with the Gillon McLachlan and Brett Clothier from to discuss the potential issue, Evans said.
Hird, who was “shocked to be sitting” at the press conference discussing the issue, insisted that the coaches, players and staff had no knowledge of players using performance-enhancing drugs.
The AFL and ASADA are investigating.
Full statement from Essendon FC:
“Over the last 48 hours, the Essendon Football Club has received information about supplements that have been given to our players as part of the fitness program in 2012.
Given the information we received and the questions it has raised, we have taken the following action:
Firstly we, consulted with our staff, briefed our Board and all our players.
Secondly, we contacted the AFL and earlier today we met with Gillon McLachlan and Brett Clothier to brief them, and to seek advice. Following that discussion we requested that the AFL commence an immediate investigation.
Thirdly, today the Essendon Football Club contacted ASADA, the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and requested their assistance in an investigation, and we offered the full cooperation of everyone at the club. ASADA has informed us that they will commence the investigation immediately.
Of course, this is very distressing for our club, our Executive, our players and our board. We believe as a club that we have done everything to be compliant with the rules and regulations of the AFL and ASADA.
But, the integrity of the club is critical for the people sitting at this table – and of course for the broader Essendon family, and that is why we have moved quickly today to call the AFL and ASADA to seek a clean bill of health.
I appreciate that there is a lot of questions and many that we will not be able to answer today.
We want this investigation to go where it will, and our club at every level will cooperate. We believe that we have acted today in a sensible and responsible way, and we now want the investigation to take its course.”
Lab Monkeys
Guest
Perhaps if the testing worked on the monkeys, James Hird was going to make a comeback. To be drafted by Essendon you must have the IQ of a monkeyt, not be able to find your way out of a maze and must like running on a circular treadmill.
nmj1654
Roar Rookie
I know that the publicity for football as a sport in Australia has been rather unwelcoming but the sport has existed at grassroots levels for years and even the most ignorant of folks must acknowledge the progress the A-League has made from the ethnic-based NSL (something our good friend Johnno doesn't understand yet). I'm an AFL supporter first and foremost and love my Western Bulldogs more than any other sporting organisation on the planet, but I've developed a remarkable interest in the Victory and even the Wanderers. Here's hoping the respective AFL and football brigades can overcome their differences, as both are wonderful spectacles.
Harry
Guest
No Ian, I'm having an extended whinge about AD and the AFL not doing their job. It's time for the self congratulations and high fiving to stop. If they don't the chickens will continue to come home to roost.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Harry, Bull. The too-close relationship between sport scientists and coaches as against club doctors has been a wheelbarrow Demetriou has been pushing for a while. http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-rails-at-fitness-as-a-growth-industry-20120914-25xxl.html Same story on the salary cap, and on tanking, and on recreational drug use. Bluntly, you're having an extended whinge about AD and the AFL doing their job.
Harry
Guest
It shoudn't be the AFL investigating Essendon, instead someone should be investigating the AFL. AD and his mates have been asleep at the wheel. Too much back slapping, chest thumping and long lunches have made the AFL arrogant and complacent. We've had salary cap rorts, tanking and dubious drug policies all let go through to the keeper in an attempt to protect the image of the game. Now the bombers, to their credit, have had to dob themselves in. AD might have to give away the champagne and caviar long enough to take a peek over the parapet and see whats happening in the real world - it ain't pretty.
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
Seems like most of the rules are restricted by default. If its not approved for therapeutic use then its banned by default.
Nathan of Perth
Roar Rookie
There is a list of exceptions and circumstances where a one year to two year maximum ban applies.
Hansie
Guest
Wasn't "no positive drug test" the front line of defence for Lance Armstrong for many years?
Kasey
Guest
redb, unfortunately I must agree with you, the rubbish served up by the Reds in the 2nd half of the season has made trips to Hindmarsh a fearful proposition, and not for visiting teams, for us poor home fans:( I am really hoping that the prospect of facing the hated rivals MBV encourages the lads to lift to new heights this Friday night. For football fans of all flavours, it is only hope that keeps us going!
Andy_Roo
Roar Guru
If the supplement was not on the banned list for 2012 it seems it will be on the list in 2013.
Redb
Roar Guru
I'm talking about Adelaide.
Kasey
Guest
The 'rubbish' I follow is the most popular sport on the planet, please tell me how that particular sport could be so popular, yet also be called rubbish by a sports fan such as yourself? Perhaps you just have an underdeveloped sense of taste? Don't worry, I wasn't particularly fond of mustard as a child. Once my tastebuds matured, I discovered that a great many things I once thought rubbish as a child were actually very good things.
zug
Guest
True. I have to question here the sneaky behaviour of a few AFL clubs at the moment, and the admin's actions. You have this possible Essendon situation, the Demons tanking stuff, player contract salary cap issues at Adelaide. There seems to be an unhealthy win at all costs attitude creaping in. And with Australian sports science the way it is, it is likely to go beyond the AFL to other sports. ASADA need to come down hard on those involved.
Redb
Roar Guru
Joe Daniher can take the forward line.
Redb
Roar Guru
AR, Actually i was thinking Bendigo FC :)
Kasey
Guest
And some people think football fans have no sense of humour. Oh contraire, there are lots of things we find funny. this whole incident and the Tippett incident in Adelaide are just two examples of things in sport I have found mildly amusing in the last 6 months. I also found the Graham Cornes 'Opinion Piece' regarding Del Piero hilarious.
Redb
Roar Guru
All valid points, except one. Healy somewhat of an Essendon hater, so he can shove it. Hopefully will be sued for naming an Essendon player on radio.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
Gold Coast Suns as well apparently
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
sorry, you read so many anti AFl posts - espeically when it comes to media coverage - and the jokes get missed a lot i suspect.
Redb
Roar Guru
Too funny Kasey - you can't handle it. Go Bombers better than that rubbish you follow. :)