Essendon Football Club supports the sanction handed down by the AFL to assistant coach Dean Wallis following an investigation into betting on football.

He has been suspended for a total of 14 Toyota AFL premiership or finals series matches in which Essendon takes part. During this period Wallis will be banned from taking any part in any match-day activities with either Essendon Football Club or the Bendigo Bombers Football Club. Wallis has also been fined $7500.

Wallis has been banned from holding any role involving coaching players and during this time will not be permitted to have any role working with players or to participate in training.

The club has suspended Wallis from his role as development coach. He will be re-assigned to a football analytics role. The club suspension will be reviewed upon completion of the 14-week AFL imposed suspension.

Essendon Football Club Chairman David Evans said the club has supported the AFL in its enquiries and accepts without reservation the sanctions imposed on Wallis.

""There is no place for betting by club officials on AFL football. The integrity of our game is at stake and we support the AFL unconditionally in relation to this matter,” Evans said.

“The club is extremely disappointed by Dean’s actions and complete disregard for AFL rules. Despite extensive warnings, education and recent examples of betting breaches, Dean chose to act outside the rules and has let himself and his club down terribly.

“The club will work closely with the AFL coaches association to provide counselling and support for Dean to assist him during his suspension.”

Wallis said he is deeply remorseful for his actions.

“I apologise to the AFL and to the Essendon Football Club for the hurt and embarrassment my actions have caused and accept the AFL and club imposed sanctions,” Wallis said.

“I take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve made a stupid mistake by betting on AFL football and this has seriously threatened to take away my livelihood.

“I also made a huge error of judgement by not fully cooperating with the AFL investigation.

“I’ve let the club, the coaching staff, and players down, and for that, I apologise wholeheartedly.”