Daniel Chick’s explosive claims about a toxic illicit drug culture when West Coast won the 2006 AFL premiership has sparked a furious backlash.
Chick told the Herald Sun that he and former teammates Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins took massive doses of asthma drug prednisone in a pattern experts describe as bizarre and inappropriate.
He added in Thursday’s report that a club staffer hid certain players from drug testers, that a former Eagles figure dished out sedatives in bulk to players and that the use of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine were widespread in the squad.
Chick also said some players would snort crushed Xanax and take Valium with vodka to relax on flights to and from Perth.
The timing could not be worse for the Eagles, given they are only two days away from playing Hawthorn in the grand final.
They said in a statement they were “extremely disappointed by the content, timing and publication of some unsubstantiated claims”.
“The club and its medical staff are deeply offended by these allegations and will discuss internally an appropriate course of action.
“When the club faced some challenges with its playing group a decade ago, it took steps to address those issues.
“It voluntarily undertook its own investigation, the AFL also initiated an independent investigation (by Victorian Supreme Court Judge Bill Gillard) and neither revealed the issues and allegations raised by Daniel in this story, all of which are strongly refuted.
“The club is now recognised as a leader in the area of player welfare and integrity in the country.
“Our current playing group and coaching staff will not be distracted as they embark on the challenge of winning the club’s fourth premiership at the MCG on Saturday.”
Chick flew from Perth to Melbourne on Thursday, only a couple of hours separating him from the Eagles also travelling east.
Kerr, 2006 Norm Smith Medallist Andrew Embley and fellow former Eagle Karl Langdon all blasted Chick for his allegations.
“I couldn’t trust him (Chick) as far as I could kick him and, looking at him, I don’t think that would be very far,” Langdon told 3AW.
“I believe there’s a lot of lying going on in that particular article I’ve read.”
Embley said he doubted any 2006 teammate would agree with Chick’s comments.
He added then-coach John Worsfold had not turned a blind eye to the illicit drug use by players at the time.
“I know for a fact that certain players looked Woosha in the eye and said, ‘Listen, they’re just rumours’,” Embley told SEN radio.
“I don’t think the club would be in the position they are at the moment if it wasn’t for Woosha’s leadership.”
Embley said he could not think of a better person to coach Essendon than Worsfold, who is the favourite for the job.
Kerr denied Chick’s claim that he abused prednisone.
“He is just surmising that people were doing what he was doing, which was just wrong,” Kerr told WAtoday.
Kal kid
Roar Rookie
The Herald Sun, the same paper that attempts to crucify the Eagles in drug claims has a Hawks premiership poster in that copy. I am sick to death of these newspapers.
YearoftheEagle
Guest
Would be hilarious if watoday tried to get an interview from old Benny Cousins. Would make as much sense as Chick's drivel! GO EAGLES!!!!
jax
Guest
I'll trust Judd and Embleys version of events over Chicks any day.
MIKE K
Guest
Yep, heard some rumours at the time about Chick bringing in bad habits, discounted them as sour grapes. Not long after he retired, faced Family issues etc. and some of the slurs continued. The Family Club has since done little to "slap" B. Brownless for some very "unfamily" and distasteful comments demeaning Women at a Jnr FC function. There is always some fading male once was struggling with an ID mid life crisis. Best I think to sympathise with a pathetic current excuse for the Men they once were. Thanks D. Chick for the irrelevant revelations of a "do you remember me", nice work from someone for those who gave you shelter in a storm.
delbeato
Roar Guru
The AFL want nothing to do with this embarrassing turn-up. Gil McLaughlan has already put doubt on investigating Chick's claims. The Eagles' drug habits in the 90s are an open secret, it's amusing to hear all these self-interested, furious denials of Chick's 'bombshell'. Everyone knows they were out of control then, it's a bit like that drunk uncle you put in the corner at family gatherings. Best kept in the family, rather than splashed around in the media. So as for his ex-teammates' denials.. yeah, they would say that.
Axle an the Guru
Guest
Chick must be missing a bit of limelight, just wants to highlight his name, get on 60 minutes and make some more money that he will probly blow on another habit that lives in his wardrobe.
Jacques of Lilydale
Guest
Not sure what all the fuss is about quite honestly. The Cousins, Kerr and Chick saga was from another era, nothing to do with the current playing group so no miles to be had from this story. Another typical gutter journalism article from a Murdoch rag. It wont affect West Coast at all on the day but its a timely reminder that these guys are time bombs waiting to go off, even ten years later so I expect the essendon situation to run for a generation from past bitter players who want to make quick cash for their so called story. Hawthorn cut Chick from their list long ago and he's been living in Perth for 10 years or more so he's not part of their setup either. Just a sensationalist article that he was obviously paid well for. I expect a wonderful GF tomorrow from two attacking teams. Go you Mighty Hawks, by 10 points.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Time to strike while the iron is hot and the Eagles are big news. The big question is, are there any players remaining from Chick's time? If not, not sure how it negatively impacts them, they just happen to wear the same jersey and any link between the two teams is tenuous at best. If so, pretty poor form.
Penster
Guest
Edgar, are you new to media? Fairfax have been sitting on this story for ages, waiting for an opportune time to drop allegations that are no surprise to the footy industry .... that the Eagles had a coterie of junkies amongst it's ranks. The Hawks washed their hands of Chick years ago (being aware of his proclivities), and have nothing to do with him now. But if you and Don Freo need yet another Hawthorn conspiracy to pass the offseason then the timing is brilliant.
Ads
Guest
The guy is at rock bottom and in typical junkie fashion, its someone elses fault.
DeanM
Guest
If the AFL can get enough evidence or player confessions of the abuse of asthma medication and illegal stimulants on game day the Eagles should be stripped of that years premiership. Abuse of asthma medication would certainly give players a bigger tank for running etc. Then either award the cup to the Swans or just for fun have Sydney and Adelaide have a game to decide the Premiership as if these allegations are true Adelaide were also cheated by West Coast as they had a narrow loss in the Prelim and drugs and stimulants could certainly have been the small difference on the scoreboard. Chick would likely have a vastly different life post football if he remained at the family club.
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
He has waited 9 years to tell the story and ironically a former Hawk waits until Grand Final week to dish the dirt? Methinks there's a touch of subterfuge behind this. I'm growing tired of hearing about football exploits off the field instead of what happens on the field.