Yesterday I suggested on Facebook that calm head was required to begin a discussion on what has or might occur.
Hopefully below is a starting point for this discussion.
We are all going through an emotional process similar to an experience with the death of a loved one.
This process will include much hurt, pain and anger, which is why we need to get to the other end and see clearly.
Let’s look at the facts.
The 34 players have been found guilty by CAS
There are 12 current players who will not be able to train play for Essendon in 2016
There is an appeal mechanism available (Switzerland High Court)
The AFL and Essendon (Board/Executive) have stated they will not appeal
The players association have indicated they may appeal
Individual players may appeal
The AFL accepts ASADA and WADA as the authority regarding the use of performance enhancing drugs.
Essendon has admitted guilt to Worksafe and we have been fined
Admission of guilt to Worksafe leads the door open for current and past players to sue the club
Other clubs who have traded in ex Essendon players (now subject to the ban) have indicated they may take legal action against Essendon FC
I think that in looking to the future we need to consider “on the field” and “off the field”
Firstly on the field: The AFL has given us help, we can recruit players to top up our list.
As a club we need to decide what we hope to get out of 2016. I would think it would be a finish in the middle of the bottom 8 a realistic goal, however more importantly game time in some of our new draft pick and potential future champs.
As members and supporters we can assist the club by keeping our memberships, encourage others to become members and encourage supports to come to the games regardless of the results.
In regards to the 12 players who no longer are allowed to train or use club resources. It has been suggested that they train together with the assistance of James Hird or someone else who can provide that coaching role who is not currently paid by the club.
The club has a duty of care to all players (including those banned) hopefully the cub has sought specialist who can provided the mental assistance the players need and will need in the future.
Now we need to consider “off the field”
I doubt either the Players Association or individual players will appeal CAS decision. There are a few schools off thought regarding an appeal: a) any appeal will be long and the ban could be over before the appeal is heard. b) The chances of winning an appeal is slim and expensive. c) Regardless of the time or money it’s important to appeal in order to have the decision changed and not allow the players to be called cheats.
I am more in the ‘it’s futile” camp, I and all loyal Essendon members know that the players were the unwitting victims. I would like the club to go after Danks and Robinson and Paul Hamilton through our courts using the OHS act as the basis. It also pains me to say but Bomber Thompson brought Danks and Robinson to the club, he needs to account for this and what was his responsibility, at minimum it goes to due diligence in reference to their hiring by the club.
Another option is if the AFL broke with WADA then we could have a fresh case via an Australian Court, using our standards of evidence and proof. This is unlikely as it would need support from the other 17 clubs in the AFL.
Whilst I would love to see a campaign of members and supporters with the goal of moving the AFL away from ASADA and WADA, that is something that just won’t happen. But if someone has a plan to achieve this end I would be happy to hear it.
I think it is very possible that other clubs and ex-players will take the club to court. We cannot control what others choose to do, we can only prepare for what is the likely results If this happens than we can expect some more financial pain. How we manage this pain is something I am hoping the executive is currently making plans.
This leaves a few question:
a) Is there anything more supporters and members can do?
b) What do members want?
In regards to question (a) individually: NO: Collectively: Maybe
In regards to question (b) no one knows, because the Board and Executive have never asked the membership and have no processes in place to gauge the view of the majority of the membership.
Some members may want this all to end, take the punishment, accept potentially more financial pain and hope that we can stay competitive in 2016 and start again in 2017.
Others may want justice. That the despicable behaviour by various individuals and organisations is highlighted via an independent review.
It seems to me very clear that the Board and Executive want the matter to end, they have no interest in pursuing anything further.
One practical thing that can be done is vote with our feet and wallet. Don’t buy AFL merchandise, bring your own food to a game, buy a club membership rather than an AFL membership, look for avenues the AFL can see our anger and outrage at them all.
As for media outlets and various commentators, they live by ratings and sales. So let’s not give them ratings or sales. I for one have not viewed Footy Classified or bought the AGE in most of the last 2 years. Another way is to flood the media outlets with letters and emails that we are boycotting Caro, Bartlett and others.
There are some supporters / members who may choose to purse a campaign to encourage the Commonwealth to establish a review. Frankly I think that happening to be a long shot at best. However if there is a campaign as suggested than I will happily give what support I can.
I have tried to detail my thoughts without the cloud of emotions.
Something I like many others find very difficult at this stage.
Sunday night will be compulsory viewing to hear what James Hird has to say without a gag.
I saw a show on the History channel a few weeks ago. It was about an Ice Hockey team where the whole team perished in a plane smash. This was terrible for the club and supporters and caused the club to elevate a junior side up to the seniors.
What was remarkable was the way the club used this tragedy the next year as a means of generating support for a new start the following year something our club could consider as well.
At the end of the day, our club/any club is only as strong as its supporters and members. So stay strong, be vocal if you have an idea and push the club if they need a push.
I am very interested in others thoughts and opinions on what is best for the club moving forward, to this effort I am posting this on a few supporter sites.