The 34 past and present Essendon players involved in the controversial supplements scandal — including Port Adelaide-listed Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder — have been found not guilty by the AFL anti-doping tribunal.
Teammates were quick to respond on social media, with midfield veteran Kane Cornes tweeting “Brilliant news” and Jackson Trengove applauding a “great outcome”, adding he was “looking forward to seeing (Ryder) in the Port jumper this weekend”.
A statement by David Jones, Chairman of the AFL anti-doping tribunal, said the decision was unanimous.
He said the tribunal “was not comfortably satisfied that any player was administered Thymosin Beta-4”, a prohibited performance-enhancing drug, nor that “any player violated clause 11.2 of the AFL anti-doping code”.
All current players, including Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri, can now play in round one, which kicks off this week.
Australia’s peak sports anti-doping body (ASADA) is now expected to appeal the tribunal’s finding. It has 21 days to launch an appeal.
There was also no immediate word on the fate of former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank, who was also before the tribunal.
The tribunal’s statement said its decision “in relation to violations under the Code alleged against a former Essendon support person will be handed down at a later date, together with reasons”.
David Grace, Essendon Football Club’s lawyer, said all players “had a very fair hearing and we’re happy with the result, obviously”.
“We’re now going to go and see the players and discuss the judgment with them,” he said.
“No one has read the reasons for the decision, so we’re going to be considering that.”
Asked what avenues this might open up for the players, Grace replied: “The players will be playing this week, that’s the avenue.”
“We mounted a very strong defence to the case and the result is here today.”
Asked about further legal action, Grace said: “I cannot say whether there’s going to be any further legal action.
“We’re going to see the players now and talk to them.
“I think all they will be interested in is playing on Saturday (in the round-one game against Sydney).
“It is nice to get an outcome for them (the players).”
Earlier, AFL boss Gillon McLachlan forecast a rugged day for the game, regardless of what the league’s anti-doping tribunal decided.
“I don’t think there’s been anything positive out of any of this,” McLachlan told Fox Footy on Monday night.
“I don’t think you could say there’s a positive outcome tomorrow (Tuesday).
“Whatever everyone wants is a resolution and … we’re getting (to that) sooner rather than later.
“But we don’t know how it will play out.”
READ MORE: AFL doping scandal: steak theory rejected
Essendon have already had to field a makeshift team during the pre-season because of the tribunal process.
– with AAP
