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Great to have you back KC. Love the updates

The Dees are rooted because Mitch moves to Perth? The paranoia from some people around here is seriously alarming. I understand that this opens up the possibility that Mitch may sign up for one of the WA clubs, I get that, but this is a guy who quit footy to focus on recovering from a mental illness. Moving to the city where his support base is, is surely a logical and expected outcome. I suppose it shouldn't any more, but it always surprises me when people get one piece of information and draw the worst possible conclusion that hurts us the most, when there are other outcomes that are just as likely that are far more innocuous.

Given that the ASADA CEO is basically offering 6 month bans, with some of the ban in season and some out, to players who aceept a no fault finding, any half sensible lawyer would be telling his client to grab it ASAP. That means that a player could be banned for the rest of this season and half the pre season training, have no finding as a drug cheat and be free to resume his career at the start of 2015. If I was a player with a Notice i would be at the front door of ASADA now asking for a pen to sign the deal. This will drive a huge wedge between the club and players IMO. This is the chance to end this and the club and its former Coach are doing the opposite. I suggest the entire Essendon Board and its Doctor, think seriously about immediately retiring.

Yep just click on the Disney channel Pie in the sky rumour started on here

No he doesnt Hes already shown he can play at AFL level

Look, there was the case of a Belarusian shotputter named Nadzeya Ostapchuk who won gold at the 2012 London Olympics. She was later disqualified from the medal for testing positive for a banned substance. She was tested twice, before and after she had finished first. Both samples indicated the presence of the anabolic agent metenolone. She received a one-year ban after her coach, Alexander Yefimov, admitted to spiking her coffee with metenolone without her knowledge after being worried about her performance, stating that he thought the drug would be clear before the tests were administered. That is total "innocence" on the part of the athlete, but she lost the gold medal on the basis that it was unfair to the rest of the competitors that they were beaten by someone whose performance was still drug-enhanced. She did get a 50% time reduction because of the circumstances. There is advice in the WADA Athlete Guide for athletes to 'consult doctors and sports medicine experts' about substance administration, so if their own advisers are corrupt there is some leniency but not total absolution. Similarly, Essendon players might be entitled to a reduction in their suspension if they have been lied to by the club, but if they still had drugs in their system, they shouldn't get off entirely in relation to all the other teams and players in the AFL who weren't enhancing performance by illegal doping. (I guess there's no medal to take off Essendon.)

I was at the game, spoke briefly to Brad Miller and Rohan before the start and asked if they had fixed the last Qtr fade outs , answer: "hope so" Listened to 3 qtr time address: all I heard were Roos philosophies " don't think you need to win the game on your own", "take the game on, but if no options go down the line" etc, etc The previous 3 games were mentioned and effort and intensity challenged. Lots of RA RA RA but I left the huddle feeling that they were jittery. Result: saw a number of players try to do to much, particularly Casey listed players, saw a lot of MFC listed players go missing and saw the breakdown of the defensive effort and structure that was so prevalent, effective and Roos like in the 1st half, go missing. Analysis: Considering the number of MFC listed players in the side and the number of MFC employed coaches I think there is nothing wrong with the Casey alignment and all I saw was a desire to replicate the plan and execution of the MFC. What I saw was the inability of Players to follow instruction, execute plans and deliver skills in the final quarter and ultimately they were overrun. I appreciate everyone's right to an opinion and obviously the above is my own. I don't often post but read threads on a regular basis and have to admit to a little dismay at some of the posts on this site that appear simply as emotional feeling based responses without doing some direct observation and research. I didn't see Bartlett in Ballarat and would think he would rely on the advice of his Senior Coach in relation to this matter. If Roos thinks the alignment is holding us back then fair enough, but I didn't see any of that today

That article is the sealer. Dank made a terrible mistake based on his hubris. That's why ASADA has recently re-interviewed Alavi and Charters - to shore up the evidence. Essendon FC and Hird know they are totally cooked and that's why they are resorting to challenging the process, not the evidence - they need that evidence disallowed because it is so damning. ASADA have thrown the Essendon players a lifeboat with the 2 years down to 6 months and as Redleg says, they'd be mad not to jump in it. I think there's justice there - while I agree with Deanox's excellent case that the players are ultimately responsible, I also agree with Bob's argument that they were horribly misled. The villain in this is Hird who has put his own reputation ahead of everything and everyone else.

I hope people can now move on, it is now the best part of six months since it became glaringly obvious that Mitch Clark was finished as a player for the MFC. Good luck with your life in the future Mitch I hope it improves if that means you play football again at some point in the future then I for one will be happy for you. Now lets put or efforts into his replacement.

Sorry, but I can't help but be amused by the "faux outrage" over Sylvia leaving... particularly considering he was constantly a target of derision in this site and more often than not the suggested delisting/trade option.

The other related issue is the distinction between the "good" thymosin and the "bad" thymosin. Essendon has gone to great lengths to claim that they only received the "good" thymosin (although they have no record of what they got). The "good" variety is used to treat Hepatitis B and C and to boost the immune response in the treatment of other diseases. The "bad" thymosin (TB4) improves muscle tone, helps repair tissue and fight inflammation. Athletes have reported that injecting this peptide benefits building muscle and recovery from injuries.Dank's text to the Weapon (Robinson) in August 2011 - "Don't forget how important thymosin is. "This will be our vital cornerstone next year. "It is the ultimate assembly regulatory protein and biological modifier. "Thymosin is so effective in soft-tissue maintenance." What explanation do you reckon would be to your reasonable satisfaction? The cornerstone of the sports scientist's plan was a drug to treat hepatitis or one to help build muscle and aid soft tissue repair?

Casey Scorpions 8.5.53 to North Ballarat 5.5.35 at half time Goals Best Blease Fitzpatrick Harmes Page Smith Tapscott Toumpas Disposals: Tapscott 17, JKH 14, Blease, Harmes, Toumpas 12, Best, Gawn, Michie 11

"@GerardWhateley: McDevitt says case against players won't collapse if Federal Court rules joint investigation unlawful" This is the best. In other words, do what you like essendon we will still ping you.

Brave effort by the Aussies but defensive lapses and a bit of luck killed us. Sounds like another team I know...

I wouldn't care what this parasite wrote I will NEVER like it. He is a parasite of the lowest order.

It's footy. None of it makes any sense. We happen to support the guys dressed in red and blue that run around on ovals of grass trying to grab a red coloured piece of leather filled with air which they then try to kick between two big wooden white poles. It's footy, we can try to rationalise it but really, we can't.

We should have our Own team playing from Punt Road.

So that's what you decided to take out of my post Bub, my case rests

Just starting a thread for discussion, I reckon there are plenty of threads based on just as much

The Show Cause Suite, in effect means that it is up to the Players to prove that what was injected was not illegal!! Totally gooooone because as no records exist but proof made of injections taken place this unfortunately for the players means Adios!! Injectiondon in total denial! Little and his band of administration must know in their experience of business that the jigger is up! What will probably transpire regardless of any court delay will be: 1 Players given a lifeline of 6 month ban. this will hurt them in the short term and means another wasted season. 2 A total clearout of those in the know including Hird (who I think his reputation now must be totally ruined ) Thompson, Doc Reid, Simon Goodwin and anyone else who was in the know! Worse aspect is Hird taking his own legal action, trying tooth and nail to protect what skerrick of reputation he has left. Only the Essendon brain washed could possibly feel he is innocent. Buck stops at the top. He was Coach he should take total responsibility, His Ego is at Warp factor 10 and rising. He has admitted no shame, no liability, and so therefore from where I sit has no morals, and no idea! Feel for the players but, onus now is on players to become more aware of what exactly is going into their bodies and to question this practice. A simple example of this is each time cortisone is injected into tissue it has a anti inflammatory effect and can last 3 months or so but the joint, ligament etc breaks down and weakens because of the properties of cortisone. But normal bods on the street wouldn't know that, much less question a doc who administers it. I reckon players also would not question because after all this is an AFL Football club. I wonder how many of them now feel allegiance to the jumper and a regime which blatantly went all out for glory, whatever the cost, leaving ethics, moral obligation and player welfare at the bottom of a lavatory! I think times are about to change!! Players will now question ( as they should) as part of a collective responsibility of clubs to keep players in the loop particularly with medical. prescriptive medications and injectionable substances. The players association too, will be now looking at player welfare and that will open up yet another aspect to this sad and sorry saga. That's my take.

Exactly. He's a 19 year old playing a needed stint in the twos. There's no doubt he'll be back and establishing his place in our side in years to come.

Jay Kennedy-Harris becomes Casey's ninth goal kicker. The lead is now 23 points.

Thanks people. Goal to big Jack as Casey sprint to a 4 goal lead. Michie & JKH impressing.

Seconded.

Rested not dropped.

Just dawned on me why he chose the Paris option.....probably visits The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles every day :-)

They took the drugs orally?

Caroline Wilson and Patrick Smith are the only two major journalists who really understand this issue. Caroline ' s piece in today's Age was again spot on. Basically, Hird and Essendon will try absolutely any avenue to get out of this no matter how tenuous. What surprises me though is that the EFC and Hird are taking joint action yet again. A friend of mine who claims to know Paul Little very well says he is scathing in private about the Hirds in general and particularly about Tania Hird. Apparently she is a serial offender not just on the Drug scandal but on her influence on Jame's general behavour. This I believe just points to what I have believed for a long time - Hird has something either on Essendon or on senior people at Essendon and has no hesitation to threaten disclosure of it if they don't support his narcissistic and delusional behavior. What other explanation could there be for an organization which has had long term success to behave so irrationally against their own best interests. If Hird had have accepted full responsibility and been forced to fall on his sword rather than fighting ASADA every inch of the way, the EFC would have been well out of this by now.

Redleg I agree entirely. I was very surprised to hear Watson's comments about what McNevit said. I don't think he understood them. He seemed to get angry and argue. If they respond to the show cause notice by saying "this may have happened but we had no idea or was happening", given their previous cooperation ASADA may settle for 6 months. If they for it in the Federal Court, I can't see ASADA being so lenient. The court action serves Essendon only, not the players, but the players haven't realised that yet.

I agree. Kent has had no continuity this year through injury and then getting rubbed out in the VFL. Would be a fixture in the side if not for that IMO.

96% actually.

Actually my advice for Mick, if he were to ask me for it, would be to stay right away from Magpie players. If word gets out it could tarnish his reputation.

Paul Little continues to blame everyone bar themselves. What an absolute tool and idiot. I know McDevitt and he is a formidable opponent. Little and the Essendon football club have never taken responsibility for what they did to their players. I hope every player sues the collective backside off that club. Little is delusional and McDevitt is a seasoned evidence gatherer. Bang bang bang !!!!

I agree the players have most likely been poorly advised, and empathise with them. But at the end of the day they weren't tricked. They knew the names of the substances. They are taught about the wada code. They have smart phones with Internet. Also they were adults. They could vote, shag, drive and legally sign contacts. Heck, they were all earning good money. Some very good money. And for every 18 year old mentioned there is a 28 year old who had no excuse not to know better. If your career and your livelihood depended on it, wouldn't you take personal responsibility to check? It isn't hard to type thymosin into the WADA smart phone app to double check.

I don't hate Sylvia. But my disappointment is that his talent overpromised and his performances underdelivered (I only have irrational dislike of footballers who did the dirty - Scully for one. I dislike him, not because he took the money but he was so blatantly dishonest.)

Essendon must fight legality of ASADA-AFL investigation after show cause notices issued, Mark Robinson writes This is the most addle brained lack of logic I've read in the Herald Sun's sports pages and reflects the dramatic decline in journalistic standards at News Limited since Mike Sheahan left the building. What's wrong with fighting the case on the facts rather than the processes or allegations of lack of confidentiality? And this comes from the clown who published the names of a dozen of the Bomber players implicated. What gall!!!

That is giving him too much credit I think. 1) He left as a free agent. I suspect he would have left whether the club was compensated or not. 2) The credit goes entirely to the club for the astute trade of the Colin Sylvia compensation pick to Adelaide for Bernie Vince. It was a good trade, but not one Sylvia had any input in to.

They have a different surname and as such are not related

I hope no one minds, but I had to re-post this.

Chris Connoly says "hi"!

My depression cost me a job that I really loved. Whilst I can empathise with Mitch's predicament I would never presume to understand it. Depression is different for each individual. It has some common elements but the experience and outcomes vary so widely that it's dangerous to try and make definitive statements. I'm back in a job that I enjoy but I'm never sure when I'm going to be bitten by the black dog. Maybe we should all just wish him well and move on.

It seems to me that McDevitt is fishing for a break in ranks and really the players do need to take advice on this. The club cannot be trusted to work in their best interests.

Good point Mauriesy and I suspect that Essendon, in its haste to take the matter to the Federal Court (the decision to go there was surely made well in advance of the actual issuing of the notices) failed to appreciate the fact that McDevitt was making it clear to all and sundry that there were discounts available to players under certain circumstances. There could be a perfect opportunity to control or limit the damage but by taking on ASADA, it's likely to become an opportunity missed. Hopefully, those advising the players are smart enough to think independently of the club's interests and advise their clients of all of the possibilities available to them.

Gee they still great songs to listen to after all these years. One of my first singles I bought with my own pocket money was 510 Man, not sure if it was the a or b side.

WOW their going fast this year. Jim was one of the few rockers that didnt go bald as he aged. Great appearance on Rockwiz.

I heard James Hird picked up a temporary holiday job in France. He will be in charge of the refreshment stations for the riders in the Tour de France starting soon.

You're kidding right? Hird was primarily responsible for the implementation of a supplements program that at best he failed to supervise and manage appropriately and at worst was an illegal drug program. Either way he's put the careers and health of his players at risk. The program was so poorly managed that the Club and club doctor can't even tell you which players took what supplements. Hird is being portrayed as a hero by Burnside because he accepted a 12 months suspension and EFC have been stupid enough to extend his coaching tenure by 2 years the day he was found guilty. Wilson calls him out on it and highlights the stupidity of the situation. She's not being some sort of moral arbiter, she's expressing the concerns of the majority of clear thinking people. Think about it. You've an employee who has disgraced your club and threatened the health of your players, cost you $2 million and draft picks and admits his involvement in it and you extend his contract the day he's found guilty. Far from being a moral arbiter Wilson has been mild in her critique. If it was anyone but Hird you'd never see them in football again.

I see a toad behind what looks like a giant eraser - reminder to self - stay off the blue cheese after 10pm