Certified Legendary Thread Sympathy for *essendon - congratulations on '16 Wooden Spoon (RIP The Scales)

[Arden]

AFL and the club "chose to resist Hal's efforts to find out what he was injected with"

That is disgraceful.

Priorities. The AFL is more concerned with assisting Essendon become a great club again. Because you know, they deserve it.

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

I'm reading the Hot Topic thread.

That bloke with the underscore in his name is a real piece of work.

 

[IschenkoUBeauty]

Hard to know. Really depends on how ugly and protracted any legal action gets. I do suspect, at least, that we've finally hit ground zero though.

Obviously we'll be belted in most games this year so that's going to be an acid test, but most seem to be saying (as any fan who isn't pissweak should) that we don't have any choice but to just tough this year out and look forward to 2017. You'd think it's very unlikely all 12 of the current players will stay, but once we tough out this year and the ones that do stay return to the park, things can only improve.

Closure is hard to define. Footy will never quite feel the same to me, because regardless of your views on what's happened, it's been a very chastening experience as a fan and inevitably, it does mean that you've lost the innocence of footy being, for want of a better way to put it, 'just a game'- an escape from the banality of every day life. And having seen North in mortal danger as you guys did less than a decade ago, I'm sure you can associate with the stress of that.

But as I'm sure you will also attest to, it's made any subsequent success you've had much sweeter and if there's anything keeping me going in a fan sense now, it's the faith that this is probably ultimately what Essendon, perversely enough, needed. To make us wake the **** up. To make us realise that 'We Are Essendon' doesn't ensure success, nor impress anyone. That right now, to the contrary, all it inspires is derision and disdain, and that the club has to do things right to start the climb back.

Think of it being in a bushfire context- eventually the regrowth happens. Now, we're still far too close to the time of the big fire for there to be regrowth yet, and other fires still threaten us. But we're finally at the point where there's no choice but to rebuild from scratch.

It'll be a long and hard journey, but in a bizarre way, the pressure is off as a fan this year. We're every chance to not win a game, although Sod's Law dictates we'll probably sneak a win over a Cartlon or Melbourne or Brisbane at some point, and given our list, I can't realistically EXPECT a single win this year. I'll go along and just watch the kids, and the top ups, and Goddard pointing, and be happy if they at least try.

I can't say I'm looking forward to all of it, but it'll be a journey nonetheless. A true fan sticks the fat in the tough times.

IUB lub Doss.

 

[Gasometer]

Who's picking on Jimmie?

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/essend...-james-hirds-explanation-20160114-gm6fib.html

 

[Gasometer]

Hard to know. Really depends on how ugly and protracted any legal action gets. I do suspect, at least, that we've finally hit ground zero though.

Obviously we'll be belted in most games this year so that's going to be an acid test, but most seem to be saying (as any fan who isn't pissweak should) that we don't have any choice but to just tough this year out and look forward to 2017. You'd think it's very unlikely all 12 of the current players will stay, but once we tough out this year and the ones that do stay return to the park, things can only improve.

Closure is hard to define. Footy will never quite feel the same to me, because regardless of your views on what's happened, it's been a very chastening experience as a fan and inevitably, it does mean that you've lost the innocence of footy being, for want of a better way to put it, 'just a game'- an escape from the banality of every day life. And having seen North in mortal danger as you guys did less than a decade ago, I'm sure you can associate with the stress of that.

But as I'm sure you will also attest to, it's made any subsequent success you've had much sweeter and if there's anything keeping me going in a fan sense now, it's the faith that this is probably ultimately what Essendon, perversely enough, needed. To make us wake the **** up. To make us realise that 'We Are Essendon' doesn't ensure success, nor impress anyone. That right now, to the contrary, all it inspires is derision and disdain, and that the club has to do things right to start the climb back.

Think of it being in a bushfire context- eventually the regrowth happens. Now, we're still far too close to the time of the big fire for there to be regrowth yet, and other fires still threaten us. But we're finally at the point where there's no choice but to rebuild from scratch.

It'll be a long and hard journey, but in a bizarre way, the pressure is off as a fan this year. We're every chance to not win a game, although Sod's Law dictates we'll probably sneak a win over a Cartlon or Melbourne or Brisbane at some point, and given our list, I can't realistically EXPECT a single win this year. I'll go along and just watch the kids, and the top ups, and Goddard pointing, and be happy if they at least try.

I can't say I'm looking forward to all of it, but it'll be a journey nonetheless. A true fan sticks the fat in the tough times.

Great summation.

Only thing I didn't agree with was Goddard pointing. What's that all about?

Stein look.

 

[IschenkoUBeauty]

One of Norths favourite sons holds a similar dubious honour of being complicit in the near downfall of our football club and is looked upon with a mixture of loathing and sadness.

IUB?

It can't be, don't be silly. Everybody lub IUB.

 

[giantroo]

Pinchy!!!

http://m.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news...out-signing-ryan-crowley-20160115-gm6uu8.html

 

[andana]

Pinch perfect

 

[Horace]

Utter filth those guys in GR' s article.

These blokes are bringing more shame on the game and themselves.

Somebody needs to step in with a big stick and even bigger broom.

And this is precisely why we need to have independent bodies like ASADA and WADA to look out for the sorts of activities that associations like the AFL control. Without the independence of Drug testing authorities, the *essendon fc and the AFL might have got away with this whole shocking saga.

 

[Le Grille]

AFL and the club "chose to resist Hal's efforts to find out what he was injected with"

That is disgraceful.

This needs to be put to the AFL/Essendon.

This is horrific if true

 

[shiraz]

Boomer is a cheat then. He intends to cheat with the toxic shit he drinks before each game. He is intending to gain an unfair advantage.

Do you really agree with this sentiment?

OK, there is a few cells different here and there, but the premise is the same.

Would've thought Boomer's supplements were fair, mate. If the supplements were unfair, you'd be right (it would make him a cheat), because Boomer certainly intends to use them. But as it stands, you're still wrong.

Do you think you can accidentally cheat? Think about that question and reconsider whether the important thing about cheating is the incidental obtaining of an unfair advantage, or intent.

 

[gokangas]

The AFL doesn't like the idea of losing. I hope ASADA and WADA isn't relying on the subs from their membership next year coz I reckon they won't be forthcoming.

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

And this is precisely why we need to have independent bodies like ASADA and WADA to look out for the sorts of activities that associations like the AFL control. Without the independence of Drug testing authorities, the *essendon fc and the AFL might have got away with this whole shocking saga.

ASADA independent?

 

[giantroo]

THE AFL has revealed its rules for Essendon's hunt for top-up players and set a two-month deadline for the Bombers to replenish their list.

The Dons can recruit up to 10 top-ups on short-term contracts to replace their 12 suspended players and must finish their recruiting by March 15.

Essendon will only be allowed to recruit players who were on an AFL club's list within the past two years or from within the Bombers' own VFL team, unless otherwise approved by AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon.

Don't blame me for supplements drama: Hird

Other list concessions include:

- Essendon won't retain list access rights beyond October 31 to any top-up players who are recruited onto its primary list for the 2016 season.

- Payments made to the temporary players will be included in the Bombers' salary cap, but an allowance will cover any amount Essendon goes over the limit.

- Essendon can't sign more than one player from the same club – except from its VFL squad – unless otherwise approved by the AFL's general counsel.

The Bombers can also upgrade any of their five rookies during the upcoming season, as if one of their 12 suspended players was put on the long-term injury list.

But Essendon will only be allowed to have a maximum of 40 players available for senior selection at any time.

The four other clubs affected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspending 34 past and present Bombers players on Tuesday will also be able to upgrade a rookie to replace banned players as if placing them on the long-term injury list.

Port Adelaide has two players banned – Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries – while St Kilda (Jake Carlisle), Melbourne (Jake Melksham) and the Western Bulldogs (Stewart Crameri) have also lost a senior player for 2016.

 

[Mr Reliable]

Not to that extent but boy, they are turning out to be very similar.

Sadly, they are scum, morally bankrupt and flush with money to employ their bullyboy tactics whenever they feel like it. When they mention "integrity" I just want to throw up.

We all love the game and we all love our club. That is where it ends as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Horace]

ASADA independent?

Independent from the AFL.

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

Independent from the AFL.

We're positive about that?

Wait, I might be thinking of AFL arbitration ...

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

THE AFL has revealed its rules for Essendon's hunt for top-up players and set a two-month deadline for the Bombers to replenish their list.

The Dons can recruit up to 10 top-ups on short-term contracts to replace their 12 suspended players and must finish their recruiting by March 15.

Essendon will only be allowed to recruit players who were on an AFL club's list within the past two years or from within the Bombers' own VFL team, unless otherwise approved by AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon.

Don't blame me for supplements drama: Hird

Other list concessions include:

- Essendon won't retain list access rights beyond October 31 to any top-up players who are recruited onto its primary list for the 2016 season.

- Payments made to the temporary players will be included in the Bombers' salary cap, but an allowance will cover any amount Essendon goes over the limit.

- Essendon can't sign more than one player from the same club – except from its VFL squad – unless otherwise approved by the AFL's general counsel.

The Bombers can also upgrade any of their five rookies during the upcoming season, as if one of their 12 suspended players was put on the long-term injury list.

But Essendon will only be allowed to have a maximum of 40 players available for senior selection at any time.

The four other clubs affected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspending 34 past and present Bombers players on Tuesday will also be able to upgrade a rookie to replace banned players as if placing them on the long-term injury list.

Port Adelaide has two players banned – Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries – while St Kilda (Jake Carlisle), Melbourne (Jake Melksham) and the Western Bulldogs (Stewart Crameri) have also lost a senior player for 2016.

They should just have to suffer with what they've got.

**** them.

No top ups for you.

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

They should just have to suffer with what they've got.

**** them.

No top ups for you.

AFL does what it can to ignore WADA's influence.

 

[shniko11]

The parents of former Essendon player Hal Hunter are "appalled" that the AFL and Essendon are pursuing court costs against their son after he took legal action arising from the disastrous 2012 injection program.

James Hunter and Dr Melita Stevens say that the AFL and Essendon's "combative" approach to their son's situation contradicts the statements this week from AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and Essendon's new chairman Lindsay Tanner about the importance of player welfare in the Essendon scandal.

Hunter and Dr Stevens are "deeply disappointed and upset" that the AFL and the club "chose to resist Hal's efforts to find out what he was injected with" in 2012 after 15 months of requests. The parents of the player — who has taken court action in an attempt to discover what he was injected with — say the situation has taken a toll on their son and that they have "real concerns for his ongoing physical and mental well-being" not only because of what happened in his time at Essendon, but due to the obstructive stance the AFL and the club have taken in his case more recently.


Hal Hunter playing in the VFL in 2013.Photo: Ken Irwin

Hunter and Dr Stevens noted that their son Hal was the youngest player at Essendon in 2012 — he was 18 when he arrived as a rookie-list player late in 2011. "Hal was part of the injection program from early 2012 and he received injections both at the club and offsite," the parents told Fairfax Media, in a joint statement.

"Since leaving the club at the end of 2013 and after 15 months of requests, Hal still does not know what the injections contained. Melita and I are appalled that not only are the club and AFL now pursuing costs against Hal but that he is having to go back to court again simply to get documents from the AFL." The Supreme Court ordered the AFL to hand Hal Hunter further documents from the supplements program while Essendon's lawyers indicated that the records the club had given Hunter were the only ones available from the injection program.

The lawyers acting for the AFL requested that Hunter pay the AFL's and Essendon's court costs — a stance that Essendon's lawyers have since supported.

Hunter did not receive an infraction notice — likely because he did not sign a consent form for the relevant substance — and thus avoided the year-long suspensions, but he is no longer playing football. 34 current and ex-Essendon players received season bans for doping offences on Tuesday.

His court action was based upon the uncertainty about what he might have been injected with and the repercussions for his health.

Hunter is waiting on the arrival of AFL documents, as ordered by Justice Mukhtar, before considering his next move. Hunter and his parents urged the AFL and the club to meet with them and bring the matter to a conclusion.

Hunter and Dr Stevens said the approach by the club and the AFL was "totally at odds" with Tuesday's statements by Tanner and Fitzpatrick.

"Instead what we have seen from the club and AFL has been a combative stance resisting Hal at every turn. Documents have been released in dribs and drabs and at the very last moment, there have been ongoing delays, argument and of course mounting costs ...

"While we as a family and those close to him have tried to support Hal in this process, it has taken a huge toll on him. We have real concerns for his ongoing physical and mental well-being as a result of not only what happened at the club but the approach the club and AFL have taken to Hal's case since ...

"Hal should be given as much detail as possible in order for him to address the implications of the injection program at the club and, to allow him to get on with his life."

The AFL would not comment on its decision to seek legal costs, but a spokesperson said: "The AFL has done whatever in our power to find out what the players were given in 2012. We have seized documents and hard drives, we have interviewed all relevant people who were willing to cooperate, we have analysed phone messages, and sought assistance from the anti-doping authorities.

"We are in the same position as the players that we are unable to identify many of the substances used in the program in 2012, or determine which player received which substance. We are concerned for the players and are talking with the players' association about welfare and support going forward."

Essendon declined to comment.

Jeezus!! Scumbags of the highest order.
We will help Essendon but stuff the kid we'll make him pay our court costs for trying to find out the Truth.
Evil Slimey Dogs..

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

Jeezus!! Scumbags of the highest order.
We will help Essendon but stuff the kid we'll make him pay our court costs for trying to find out the Truth.
Evil Slimey Dogs..

Arjen would think it's a fantastic idea. AFL handling AFL business for better or worse.

 

[shniko11]

Arjen would think it's a fantastic idea. AFL handling AFL business for better or worse.

It's gotten to the AFL's head, giving the AFL more power um No Thanks!
Everyone at the Top has to go they were made to look like fools by WADA and they got what they deserved.

"Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely"

 

[ShinbonerBaz]

Has this been posted yet (finding it hard to keep up this week)

http://www.3aw.com.au/news/tom-elliott-slams-james-hird-for-rewriting-history-20160115-gm6z8u.html

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

Has this been posted yet (finding it hard to keep up this week)

http://www.3aw.com.au/news/tom-elliott-slams-james-hird-for-rewriting-history-20160115-gm6z8u.html

Saw his name mentioned but the link helps.

 

[utility]

AFL and the club "chose to resist Hal's efforts to find out what he was injected with"

That is disgraceful.

That's what happens when you allow effing campaigner lawyers run an organisation. No scruples whatsoever. The AFL are utter scum and * have shown it's all fluff and bullshit about player welfare.

This is why I'd be delighted for there to be a class action law suit to absolutely bleed and destroy the club. I don't hate * but their behaviour is utterly appalling, only matched by the disgraceful stain known as the AFL.