Agree with most of the sentiments on here regarding Essendon and as I qualified on my initial post I had a position before Ryder was a blip on our radar as most would.
Seems like some on here have some compassion to the players, I know I do. But I agree they should be punished to set an example that players need to ensure they take responsibility for their actions. I still think the Club should wear the brunt of the punishment. Ultimately a lot of the players that play AFL are still very immature and would not know better than to accept the word of their coaches. I don't understand half the stuff they are talking about vitamins/drugs etc...
I would also argue that prior to this, most if not all clubs, could go through this if their Admin and Coaches decided to cheat. The players at any club would most likely have gone along with what their Admin and coaches advised (this has probably changed now and so it should). Do you think if the crows hierarchy implemented this programme that your players would have responded any differently to Essendons? I guess this is my point, the players are almost inconsequential (could have been at any club, they are footballers), it's the staff that breached the duty of care that should be targeted, and heavily.