On February 5th, 2013, the Essendon Football Club "self-reported" to ASADA and the AFL, asking they investigate perhaps inappropriate use of supplements throughout the 2012 season. Then coach James Hird calls a press conference and is quoted saying he takes "full responsibility for what happens in our footy department". He goes on to state that "if there have been goings on in our football department that are not right, we want to know".
On February 7th, the Australian Crime Commission holds a press conference that was named "the blackest day in Australian Sport". Here, they make their Drugs in Sport report public. The report outlines widespread usage of illicit drugs, hormones and peptides by the Essendon Football Club and highlights links to organised crime. Home Affairs and Justice Minister Jason Clare states "It's cheating but it's worse than that. It's cheating with the help of criminals".
By this stage, Australia, namely Victoria, is in disarray. Some supporters of the Club are quick to disband and throw out their memberships. Others stick around and insist it's all a web of lies. Football fans unite and pick their sides - the ones who believe it's true, the ones who don't believe it's true, and the ones who just want to have a reason to whinge.
As the psychotic episode continued, the headlines got bigger and Essendon's grave dug deeper. On April 10th, it is suggested to James Hird that he stand down, however he refuses. In my eyes, this was a huge mistake. If he had stepped down here, perhaps his reputation as a trusted Coach, adored past player and respected member of the AFL community would not have become so tainted.
On April 11th, the Bombers suffered another blow. Former Essendon sport scientist Stephen Dank relays to the media how he injected Hird with Hexarelin - a substance banned for players by WADA in 2004. Hird denies anything of the sort, insisting that Dank is merely trying to destroy his reputation.
April 12th comes around and the saga continues. Andrew Demetriou states in a press conference that Hird must consider stepping aside.
For 8 whole hours on April 16th, James Hird is interviewd by investigators from the AFL and ASADA.
On May 6th, a report by former Telstra Boss Ziggy Switkowski, commissioned by Essendon, finds that the experimental nature of Essendon's sport science program was not properly documented, challenged or adequately controlled. Players are then allegedly told by ASADA investigators that no prosecutions would be made over the use of AOD-9604 as its legal status is confusing.
Essendon CEO Ian Robson resigns on May 23rd, claiming that "There is no excuse in not knowing, and as CEO, I am accountable and I accept that accountability."
Retired Bomber Mark McVeigh comes out on June 8th stating how shocked he was at his grilling from ASADA and claiming that things he heard in the interview are things he knew nothing about.
On June 24th, another bomb goes off. Much loved and respected Captain, Jobe Watson, tells Fox Footy he was injected with AOD-9604. "I signed that consent form... I believed it was legal at the time and that AOD was what I was being given". This confession saw Jobe's reputation turned upside down, and a whole new debate sparked on whether or not he was the right man to continue captaining the side. During their June 27th match against the Eagles in Perth (which Jobe led the Bombers to an incredible victory), Watson is booed heavily throughout. In late June, the Bombers are allegedly approached by AFL figures to ask what sanctions the club would be willing to accept. A loss of premiership points and sanctions for Hird are amongst the options.
July 1st sees AFL football operations Chief Mark Evans publicly lets slip that Essendon could lose premiership points as deducted by the commission.
On July 25th an article by the Herald Sun revealed a meeting held at Chairman David Evans' house on February 4th, dubbed the "night of crisis" meeting. Conflicting reports against Demetriou were made, where it was said that Evans had been tipped off by Demetriou about the ACC investigation.
Essendon suffer a loss to the Hawks on July 28th. Evans suffers a post-match physical breakdown in the rooms and subsequently resigns.
On July 31st, former Dons fitness boss Dean "The Weapon" Robinson gives an explosive television interview, claiming the Club had asked him to perform "black ops". Essendon refutes, saying his allegations are "totally without foundation". It isn't until August 2nd that the AFL confirms it has received ASADA's interim report into the use of supplements at the Club.
August 13th the headlines splashed across the Nation read "CHARGED". Hird, Assistant Coach Bomber Thompson, Club Doctor Bruce Reid and Head of Football Danny Corcoran have been charged with conduct "likely to bring the game into disrepute". The Club state they will fight all charges laid against them. In Mid-August, long before the official terms of the charges are released and before the hearing, proposed penalties are allegedly put to the Club.
By the time August 21st comes around, everyone is eager to know the fate of the depleted Dons. The charges are revealed, with new Essendon Chairman Paul Little declaring a "war" on the AFL. Andrew Demetriou opens his mouth stating "I want to state very clearly: there has been no predetermination of this matter by the AFL Commission". James Hird tries to slap the AFL back by launching Supreme Court action, claiming natural justice was denied. Court documents allege that Demetriou and his deputy (now CEO) Gillon McLachlan tipped off Essendon on February 4th's "night of crisis" that the players had taken performance enhancing drugs. The next night, the CEO's of the remaining 17 clubs meet and declare their support of the AFL.
At this point, I had face-palmed so many times, I was simply sick and tired of reading about it, hearing about it and even knowing about it. And I know many weren't far behind me. Not only did it take away the excitement of the game for all the other Clubs still involved in the competition and still vying for a place in the Finals, it generated a whole new reputation for our beloved AFL - one that was shameful, embarrassing and just plain dirty.
With deal offers being discussed, Paul Little writes an open apology letter to members and supporters on August 23rd, stating that there will be an acceptance of sanctions. By August 25th, with finals drawing closer, a meeting is held at the home of Gillon McLachlan with Hird and two other unnamed guests.
Over two long days, August 26th and 27th, the AFL Commission hearing regarding the charges takes place at AFL House. It isn't until later that we hear claims that no evidence was heard by the commission and no cases were presented. Face palm mode: extreme.FINALLY, we get an answer: The Bombers are DISQUALIFIED from the 2013 Finals and are fined two million dollars. Hird is given (and accepts) a 12-month ban and subsequently drops his Supreme Court action against the AFL. Bomber Thompson and David Corcoran are also punished, however Bruce Reid doesn't stop fighting.
Andrew Demetriou comes out with a statement I'm tipping he wished he never made on September 13th. After an article published in The Australian claims that the charges against Dr Reid would be dropped, Demetriou blasts the paper, dismissing the article as "deplorable" journalism. On September 18th, however, Demetriou ate his words. All charges against Dr. Reid are dropped and no penalties are imposed. It was at this point I abdicated my support of Demetriou as a trustworthy and reliable pillar of the AFL community. I could only see him as a filthy liar with dirty hands.
Finals fever takes over the Nation and sees the Hawks secure a gutsy Premiership title over the Sydney Swans. Momentarily, we are allowed to think about others, and not a skerrick of black and red is in sight. Just the colours of poos and wees...
It isn't until December 5th that the Dons get their name back on the front pages.
The Herald Sun reveals Hird is being paid by the Club during his 12 month ban, and of course the first to run their mouth about the statement was Andrew Demetriou on radio. "He's not allowed to be paid - I want to make that very clear ... If there is one thing I will go to my grave on, I know 100 per cent the AFL is not paying and I know that - Essendon is not paying." Hmmm... It was going to be a hard task believing him since his credibility was consistently shot down throughout the saga.
On December 11th, outside their Toorak home, Tania Hird is animated in her defence of her husband James. She claims Demetriou knows James was being paid, and states that the AFL has total disregard for the truth. She also asks that the league desist in threatening her hubby and his Bombers.
By December 13th, the AFL has had enough and threatens to withhold fundings from Essendon if they do not offer an explanation as to whether and why Hird was receiving pay.
An agreement is reached and Hird is not to be paid before December 31st 2014, therefore he receives no pay from January 1st, 2014 until this date.
Exactly one year after the Bombers bombed out, on February 5th 2014, the investigation continues, having not a single player charged for use of performance-enhancing drugs. The Dons membership campaign swings into action. "Whatever It Takes" was probably not the smartest campaign for them in 2013, so instead they switch to "Don The Sash".
On March 2nd, The Herald Sun reveals the names of 10 players currently on the playing list who told ASADA they had suspicions of being injected with banned peptides. Paul Little hits back with another letter to members and supporters claiming "our club is by no means in any crisis".
A day of celebration came for many of us, and a huge revelation in the AFL world was unlocked the very next day on March 3rd - Andrew Demetriou resigns as CEO of the Australian Football League, denying the timing of the Herald Sun's article the previous day having any impact on his decision. He states that his time will finish at the season's end, and that he leaves the game "with no regrets".
On March 20th, James Hird leaves for France, where he will spend the next few months with his family, and attend one of the most prestigious business schools. Tania Hird is interviewed on ABC's 7:30 program, again adamant that Essendon were tipped off by Demetriou prior to the scandal.
Tania is labelled "less than helpful" by Club Chairman Paul Little on March 21st, and will discuss James' future at the Club. Demetriou continually denies Tania's allegations. James' contract is announced as being honoured for the 2015-16 season by Little on March 26th, with many Bombers fans wondering where Mark Thompson will be left to fit in again.
A few months go by and as June 12 hits, 34 Essendon players are issued by ASADA with show-cause notices relating to the 2012 supplements scandal. It is later revealed that these players will not be included in the 3-day Federal proceedings, which begin on August 11th.
Only 4 days ago, upon his return from France last Tuesday, Hird has been granted welcome back to the Club in Round 23 this season, however it has been decided that he will not have an active role at training, nor a place in the coaches box. His focus will be entirely on the Dons' 2015 season. *As I write this, the Dons are now sitting pretty at 7th place on the ladder with a total of 10 wins and 7 losses.
So there it is, folks. The biggest scandal in the history of the AFL, and a story we will be telling generations to come. Although it is not finished, I hope all of the Clubs have taken a strong warning from the consequences of such a dirty saga and that we never have to read about such rubbish again. I still despise the Dons, however this dates way back to 1986, and my passionate love for the Collingwood Football Club seeing us as sworn enemies. Still, I can respect a legend when I see one...
Paul Chapman & I after the Dons smacked my boys two weeks ago
I got crucified by many for apparently "jumping ship" from the Pies.
You wish. I would never desert my team. #sidebyside
I got crucified by many for apparently "jumping ship" from the Pies.
You wish. I would never desert my team. #sidebyside
Stay tuned & keep flogging! And may our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the devastating disappearances and bombings of MH370, MH17 and SA006 and all those involved or on the front lines in Gaza.
Lady K x0x
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