After listening to both press conferences and wanting to beat down on AD multiples times I have come to the following conclusion.
- The players were what changed the attitude of EFC. Paul Little said as much in the press conference, the players made it clear they want this finished and not to linger. This left EFC and Little in a position whereby court action would not be the best option.
- Once this was established, it meant EFC had to bargain with the AFL, it also meant if Hird wanted to definitely coach again he could not let it linger either.
- From what I can gather, we gained out of negotiation that EFC would not sack Hird, that we kept a first round draft pick in 2014, that we would not be stripped of points this year, Corcoran's suspension to be reduced and several charges dropped. The new charge sheet would be released and the VFL team would not receive any sanctions.
When you consider the club must put the players first, especially after everything they have gone through and that the players wanted it finished, it left the club with one hand tied behind their back. Knowing this it could have been worse.
Do I think it's complete and utter bullshit? Yes. I do however understand what has changed the clubs attitude and caused them to bend over.
We will rise again, Hird will coach again, players are free to play and we must remain solid and united behind the club. It's what has made us great and it's what will make us great again.