Essendon need to take a fair bit of responsibility for the delays. The investigation would not have taken anywhere near as long if they hadn't destroyed all of the evidence, making it much harder for ASADA to find out what they had done. Then there were the needless court battles as well...
Oh absolutely agree with this. They could be playing finals this year if they'd dealt with this with a bit more humility, but that's the wonders of hindsight.
I just think for the good of the comp, Essendon need to make their way back to par. They are a long way from that and a #1 pick is going to help, but the way some are going on about it, it is as if the #1 pick is a huge leg up which is unfair on the comp. it really isn't. No need to kick them while they are down.
They have a new Pres, new CEO, new coach, mostly new players. It's not the same club. Let em get back to being competitive. For one, they currently ruin one good game per weekend.