In a resounding victory for ASADA, Justice John Middleton dismissed the applications made by James Hird and Essendon.
Middleton has not set aside any show-cause notices.
The 34 notices issued to the former and current Essendon players will continue to stand.
» The Judgment Aftermath – With full collated live Tweets
Essendon and Hird have until October 1 to appeal the judgment, otherwise they will be forced to pay ASADA’s costs.
Justin Quill, a leading Melbourne lawyer, predicts Essendon will not appeal.
On the evidence before the Court, the investigation disclosed a strong link between deficient governance and management practices at Essendon and the possibility of Essendon players being involved in anti-doping violations. This can be seen from the Statement of Grounds brought by the AFL against Essendon and Mr Hird, and by reference to the Deeds entered into by Essendon and Mr Hird in the settlement of the disciplinary charges brought against them by the AFL.
Update: Essendon Football Club’s statement.
Essendon Football Club is understandably disappointed at todays Federal Court decision.
Before deciding the next steps, we will consider the reasons for the final judgement, including whether or not to appeal this decision.
In taking these proceedings, our priority has been to protect and vindicate the legal rights and interests of the players.
The Club maintains its confidence that, on all the evidence available to us, neither harmful nor banned substances were given to the players during the supplements program of 2012.
Out of respect for the competition and the Clubs still competing this season, it is not our intention to provide any further commentary on this matter beyond today’s statement.
