diesel

And what would that be? The AFL can suck off. No investigation or punishment of those who went before us means no deal.

So good in fact that since then we have.......oh! forget it!

Will also be on ABC 24 at 2:30 this arvo according to guide. (NB: I'll be watching for Gerard's views, not Carowhine's)

Ease up. We have groupthink here as well you know.

This is my only concern, however if the AFL have pulled back to the charge and punishment position that's being put forward now, it is most likely because the MFC have taken a hard line & legal approach. If the AFL's position will not be supported in a court of law (and that seems to be the consensus from those who should know) then I don't see why we wouldn't go to court. I said in an earlier post, I would rather spend $500,000 on an open & shut legal argument than pay a fine to those ass-hats at the AFL.

The other issue will be what other clubs did. If the AFL's 'unofficial' thinking is that they can punish Melbourne and sweep the preceding tanking allegations under the carpet because in Caro's words, "they were less blatant" then that is absolute garbage and shows a serious flaw in the AFL's application and administration of it's own rules.

I trust the club won't be agreeing to any fine. $500 k provides a pretty good defence to a charge that will make the AFL look like the amateurs they are. I'd kick in $1000 for a defense but I won't be giving any coin for a fine. If the board roll on this after saying they would fight it, they can pay the fine.

.....between her ears, which is great if you're short on facts or happy to remove yourself from objectivity.

You'll have also heard her say almost straight off the bat that she has "no idea". Thought that summed up her arguments well, too bad she didn't stop right there.

She has been absolutely soft (pathetic) in her take on the AFL in all of this. Dismissive of previous 'transgressors', apologetic in regard to AD's role and has said nothing about the comedic value of the investigators vis-a-vis the analysis of the last 3 minutes of the Richmond game and how we used Jack Watts. Probably as a service to her AFL sources but the penalty Age readers have had to suffer has been an unbalanced and opinionated editorial rather than a reportage.

In November she said Connolly and Schwab would be banished from the game and she has worked back from there shifting her position to suit this disheveled investigation which has built a case on innuendo with no smoking gun. She has managed to maintain the personally coloured invective all the way along though. Fact is she has blood lust and cares little for fairness or balance. Melbourne will not negotiate a punishment over this farce. Wilson (and the AFL for that matter) can go to hell. I'm done if we cop any penalty without every other club who list managed going down as well.

Mids, get me some quality Mids.

Ahhhh, Schadenfreude! Thanks Brock, made my day.

That and to boost their membership. I think I heard that they told their supporters they will play home games to the 'G' if they get 50,000 members. We should get Mitch Clarke to come out and say his foot won't heal unless we get 40,000 members, it would have similar credibility.

Think it was DK, when introduced by Todd Viney at the AGM he mentioned the boys refer to him as "Dean Viney" because TV likes the cut of his jib. Looking forward to seeing him in action during the NAB Cup.

The president has the right to put it on the record at the AGM. In 50 years when supporters area reading about this time they'll want to get an understanding of the type of investigation and how allegations were made. She is just masking her disappointment that she hasn't been able to generate an all in at the MFC through her pathetic provocation. She would have been shattered by the sense of support for the admin at the AGM.

I heard that too and Denham said the same thing this morning. What is it with these news 'hounds'? Do they all use the same light post on their morning walks? If Schwab isn't charged I look forward to seeing Kero getting ripped limb from limb for her November article which had him getting sacked. Whatever anyone thinks of Schwab and how he has done his job it's all but confirmed now that Wilson's attack on him was below the belt, designed to antagonise and get a response so she would be the go-to and write further articles. Best description of her rhymes with 'itch' (choose your own consonant).

The mere fact that a bunch of their players have been into illicit drugs dating back to the 90's and Benny's best off-filed mates were crooks screams that there was something dodgy going on at WC. I'm not expecting any investigation.....just more "poor Benny" from time to time.

Here's the juicy bit from the ACC report as it may relate to Essendon? ELITE ATHLETES Widespread use of peptides has been identified, or is suspected by the ACC, in a number of professional sporting codes in Australia. Although the use of peptides appears to be more widespread in some major codes, individuals from a number of other sports are also suspected of using peptides. Multiple players (in one code) from a number of clubs are suspected of currently using or having previously used peptides, which could constitute an anti-doping rule violation. Some players have also been identified as sourcing peptides for personal use. An instance of team-based doping, orchestrated by some club officials and coaching staff, has also been identified. Apart from the peptide’s anabolic effects, it has been found that injured elite athletes, particularly players from one sporting code, have been using peptides to assist in rehabilitating soft tissue injuries. While the level of suspected use of peptides varies between sporting codes, officials from one club have been identified as administering, via injections and intravenous drips, a variety of substances, possibly including peptides. Moreover, the substances were administered at levels which were possibly in breach of WADA anti-doping rules. This activity was orchestrated by some club officials and the club’s high performance unit.

How would the experience of any of those kids (real or fictitious) be any different to any other AFL player. Footy, like life is full of ups & downs. The article is a bit of fluff really, but I can understand how some of the parents of Essendon players would be nervous. Until their issue is solved they are personally in the gun.

It was definitely Don talking about both DD, and he was spot on to say accusations of players not trying are not acceptable. I actually think it's offensive based on the evidence presented and I hope we get the opportunity to shove it right back up Clothier and whoever else conducted the games review.

No he isn't

Could also be designed to drive a better deal out of Etihad and is good timing as noted by DC above! There is no room for them at the G unless other clubs move games from there.

It's actually interesting to watch that discussion to get the American POV where they see a clear distinction between professional sports and Olympic Ideals. Far more sensible than the carry on we have around tanking here where it appears the fact we are in a professional dog eat dog competition can conveniently be put aside for some greater ideal directed by people outside the organisation.