AFL Players' Assocation Acting CEO, Ian Prendergast has made the following statement:

"The players' legal team attended the Federal Court today to discuss the players' involvement in the proceedings initiated by the club and James Hird.

To this point, the players have resisted any involvement in the proceedings. They believe that this is really a matter between the club, ASADA and James Hird. They have made this view known in correspondence with all parties.

It seems apparent from today's directions hearing that the court believes the players should be involved in the proceeding, as the relief sought by the club and James Hird will ultimately impact them in some way. The players accept that their involvement may be necessary, and are in discussions with their legal team as to the extent and nature of such involvement.

As Mr Grace QC made clear in court this morning, the players' key concern is their anonymity. Despite speculation as to which players have received show cause notices, the 34 players have not been named, and nor should they. The players do not believe that the action taken by the club and James Hird - the involvement in which they resisted - should change this."