Dear members,

I wanted to provide a quick update on a number of matters relating to the ongoing ASADA investigation.

As you would be aware, James Hird was unsuccessful in his appeal today. James was exercising his legal right and was naturally very disappointed his appeal was not upheld.

We look forward to James continuing to focus on preparing our players for the upcoming season and building on the great work he has done over the last four months.

In relation to the AFL Anti Doping Tribunal, unfortunately the process is taking longer than we initially anticipated. As a club, we remain confident in the players' position and will continue to provide ongoing support to our players and their families.  

While we all would like this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible, it is now expected a final decision will not be handed down until March.

In response to media speculation about our participation in the NAB Challenge series, it is important to clarify that any suggestion we will not be playing is premature.

As it stands, our players who have been issued with infraction notices can have their provisional suspensions lifted at the discretion of the AFL Commission. However, it is unclear if this would impact the ability of a player to use this time against a potential sanction in the event of a guilty finding.

We hope to have clarity on this complicated and unprecedented matter in the coming weeks and are working closely with all of the relevant parties to ensure we reach a satisfactory outcome for our players as quickly as possible.

Finally, on behalf of the Board and everyone at the Club, I’d like to thank the Essendon members and supporters for their continued support of our players through this difficult period.

The last two years have been testing times for us all but you have stood by your club through everything. To have already signed up more than 40,000 members is a fantastic achievement and we are on track to set a new record of 65,000 members in 2015.

I can assure you the coaches and players are working harder than ever to prepare for the upcoming home and away season. I encourage you all to come out and watch one of our February opening training sessions at the True Value Solar Centre.

Go Bombers!

Paul Little AO

Chairman