ESSENDON expects to be charged by the AFL within days but the Bombers will take on the league if it tries to ban them from the finals.
IN THE GUN AT ESSENDON
James Hird (Coach): Declared on February 5 that he would take “full responsibility’’ for the club’s supplements program. Accused of being injected by Stephen Dank with substances banned for players. Has steadfastly protested his innocence.
Dr Bruce Reid Club doctor: Sent a letter in January 2012 detailing his concerns about the supplements program. The letter never got to the club’s board. Yet to see the ASADA report.
Danny Corcoran Football general manager: Absent for three months in late 2011 and early 2012 after the death of his wife. Took a hands-on role in the football department midway through last season.
LAWYERS AT 10 PACES
With the Essendon supplements scandal reaching its climax the Bombers, and under-fi re coach James Hird, are preparing themselves for a bitter legal and public relations battle, engaging the best minds in the country.
TEAM HIRD
Steven Amendola - Ashurst industrial law expert leading Hird’s defence.
Julian Burnside, QC - renowned human rights lawyer engaged in recent weeks.
Nick Harrington - a barrister friend of Hird who recommended Ashurst.
Ian Hanke - veteran political spin doctor who worked with Amendola on the 1998 waterfront dispute.
TEAM ESSENDON
Jack Rush, QC - St Kilda board member who was counsel assisting the Black Saturday Royal Commission. Hired in recent weeks.
Tony Hargreaves - leading criminal lawyer engaged by the Bombers at the start of the scandal.
The Shannon Company - communications firm with strong Victorian Labor links hired to replace crisis manager Elizabeth Lukin last week.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
* AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon decides whether to lay charges against Essendon, its offi cials or players under AFL Player Rules. Rule 1.6.1 reads: “A person must not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute.''
Rule 1.5A reads: “Either or both the Commission and the General Manager Football Operations shall ... have the power in their discretion ... to impose any sanction on any person contravening the AFL rules and regulations on any terms or conditions seen fit or to otherwise deal with such matter in any manner they in their absolute discretion think fit.''
* If charges are laid, Essendon would be given time to prepare a response, which may include written submissions.
* AFL Commission would hear the charges and Essendon’s defence and would then decide guilt and penalty.
* Penalties could include loss of premiership points, stripping of draft picks and fines.
* Club officials also face sanctions if deemed appropriate by the commission.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-set-for-fight-as-charges-loom/story-fndv8gad-1226693057685----------------------------------------------------------------
Essendon captain Jobe Watson seems set to keep his Brownlow Medal despite supplements saga
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/essendon-captain-jobe-watson-seems-set-to-keep-his-brownlow-medal-despite-supplements-saga/story-fndv8gad-1226693019078-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dons need to take a reality check says Caro ...
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/dons-need-to-take-a-reality-check-20130807-2rgup.html-----------------------------------------------------------------
ASADA report faces legal threats (from Dank)
http://www.smh.com.au/afl/asada-report-faces-legal-threats-20130807-2rgut.html--------------------------------------------------------------------
Port Adelaide has been given a concrete assurance by the AFL Players' Association that Angus Monfries will escape penalty from Essendon's supplements scandal.
Sam Lonergan has played only two games this year for Richmond and, likewise, has not been told about the likelihood of Essendon punishment.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/port-adelaide-reportedly-told-former-bomber-angus-monfries-will-be-free-to-play-come-september/story-fndv8s6g-1226693045751#mm-breached
