For some reason, * seem to think that the tribunal will find that there is not enough evidence to record a guilty verdict, and therefore they will wriggle off the hook, scott free, dont think so, #stillgrasping@straws
That's fine. If ultimately the players get off because ASADA can't prove their case to the required level of satisfaction, that's fine. There's no egg on anyone's face if that outcome occurs, because quite clearly there is a case to be made and answered (you just have to look at the Ziggy report to see that), but if the case can't ultimately be made out, then so be it. Prosecutors don't always win, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't prosecute.
It does mean * and *Hird will look like (even greater) idiots for running the Federal Court case, to try and prevent a case that ultimately proved to be unsuccessful. Wasted everyone's time, effort and money.
Not that I think that will occur. My gut feel is that the players are gawn. Like, Max Gawn gawn. Not sure to what extent - whether the full Maxy or just a partial Maxing - but yeah, I reckon they're more screwed than Melbourne's player development abilities. And maybe it's just me, but the way we've heard bugger all out of * and the very tame AFLPA statement since the beefed up SCN's were issued, but I get the distinct impression that they know they're in the shit and are concentrating on damage control approaches (ie get the penalties reduced by playing along and being "co-operative") rather than their usual bluff and bluster "fight them on the beaches" approach?