Timeline of the AFL and Drugs Issue

Reference Material

Note: events without links attached are likely sourced from hearing transcripts, the AFL charge sheet, AFL annual reports or The Straight Dope.

• “Organised Crime and Drugs in Sport” – ACC, February 2013.
• AFL Charge Sheet
• Federal Court (Middleton) Judgement – Essendon, Hird v ASADA
• Federal Court (Kenny – Full bench) Judgement – Hird v ASADA
• Court for Arbitration for Sport Arbitral Award – WADA v 23 Essendon Players
• Victorian Supreme Court – Hal Hunter v the Australian Football League (March 26)
• Victorian Supreme Court – Hal Hunter v the Australian Football League (November 26)
• Victorian Supreme Court – 34 Players and One Support v ASADA (19 dec 2015)
• Victorian Supreme Court – 34 Players and One Support v ASADA (jan 30 2015)
• Victorian Supreme Court – AFL and Anor v The Age Company Limited (August 30, 2006)
• The case of the AFL and the WADA Code, Paul Horvath, Monash Law Review, 2006
• The Age 2006 – Are AFL Players a Protected species?
• Worksafe Victoria statement – Charges laid against the Essendon Football Club.
• AFL Annual Reports 2005 – 2014
  
• Chip LeGrand – The Straight Dope

Background

• 1990. The AFL introduces ints Anto Doping Code for the first time. The Federal Government creats ASDA.
• 1997. Late in the 1997 AFL season, Justin Charles became the first AFL player to test positive to an anabolic steroid, boldenone. The AFL tribunal suspended him for 16 matches.
• 2004 – Stephen Dank employed at Manly Warringah in the NRL.
• 2005 – Dean Robinson begins consulting at Manly Warringah.
• 2005 – February 14th. The AFL introduces its Illicit Drugs Policy, allowing for year round (44 weeks) testing, and a three strike policy.
• 2005 – March 13. Brendon Gale confirms had had a conversation with a journalist who named a player and sought confirmation from Mr Gale that such player had tested positive to illicit drugs. At that time, Mr Gale did not know the names of any such persons.
• 2005 – June 30. The AFL fails to meet a deadline imposed by the Federal Government to sign up to the WADA code. The WADA code does not provide for
  out-of-competition testing for illicit drugs, whereas the AFL tested throughout the year, and WADA imposed different penalties for marijuana use, whereas the AFL emphasised education and rehabilitation before sanctions for marijuana use.
• 2005 – July 13. The AFL proposes a compromise on the WADA code issue.
• 2005 – July 19. The AFL finally agrees to sign on to the WADA code and avoiding the possibility of losing federal funding of between 1 and 3 million dollars.
• 2006 – Jan 1. The AFL amends and introduces the AFL Anti Doping Code 2006.
• 2006 – March 7 – The Federal Government passes the ASADA Act 2006
• 2006 – March 14. Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) replaced the Australian Sports Drug Agency. Besides education and testing, ASADA was given increased powers to conduct investigations, present cases at sporting tribunals, recommend sanctions, and approve and monitor sporting organisations’ anti-doping policies.
• 2006 – March 14. Mr Gale was telephoned by the football manager of the “Kangaroos” football team who asserted that he knew the names of three players who had twice tested positive. That day Mr Gale sent an e-mail to Mr Anderson, the General Manager of Football Operations of the first defendant, expressing concern that a journalist had informed him, Mr Gale, that the names of the relevant players had been obtained easily.
• 2006 – March 16. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper prepared an electronic version of an article “Reluctance to name is AFL’s shame” which referred to the named players.
• 2006 – March 22. Three players are named as twice testing positive to illicit drugs on an internet forum.
• 2006 – March 24. A thread was posted on a discussion forum naming a player and stating that he “knows a lot about ice”
• 2006 – March 31. A thread was posted on a website whereby three players were named in the context of their not having been selected to play football as at that date. It was suggested by one anonymous contributor that one of them may have had a “nostril related hamstring”
• 2006 – August 30. The Victorian Supreme Court rules in favour of the AFLs Illicit Drugs Policy. Justice Kellam said AFL footballers had agreed to be tested out of competition in the interests of the code’s illicit drugs policy, but on the proviso that the first two positive tests were confidential. “The public interest does not require, nor is it served by, the breach of such confidentiality,” he said.
• 2007 – Geelong hire Dean Robinson as high performance coach
• 2007 – September 28. The Australian reports that Geelong High performance coach Dean Robinson is in daily contact with Manly sports scientist Steve Dank.
• 2007 – October 6. The Australian Government launched its Tough on Drugs illicit drugs in sport policy which provided a voluntary regime for out-of-competition testing for illicit drugs.
• 2008 – March. The 2007 AFL Annual Report shows the results for the 12-month period from March, 2006, to February, 2007 and revealed a drop in incidence from 4 per cent to 1.9 per cent compared to the 12 months to February 2006, an extremely encouraging result. The operation of this policy has resulted in 25 players receiving
  intervention and treatment for use of illicit drugs
• 2008 – August. The AFL Commission adopted a series of improvements and enhancements to its out-of-competition Illicit Drugs Policy and AFL players volunteered to step up their campaign against illicit drug use.
• 2009 – March. The 2008 AFL Annual Report shows 14 failed tests from 1152, an incidence rate 1.2%. There were 3 failed second tests.
• 2009 – July 27. Ian Robson leaves Hawthorn for Essendon.
• 2010 – Stephen Dank sacked by Manly-Warringah, reportedly due to a disagreement over his methods – specifically as a result of a clash over attempts to administer an injection to former representative forward Josh Perry.
• 2010 – March. The 2009 AFL Annual Report says The AFL again increased the number of Illicit Drug Policy tests in 2008 to a record 1220, with the rate of failed tests continuing its downward trend, falling to 0.98 per cent of all tests carried out
  – the first time it has dropped below one per cent since the policy began in 2005. No AFL player has recorded a third failed test in the four years of the Illicit Drug Policy. More than 3330 tests have been conducted since the policy was introduced.
• 2010 – September 1. Travis Tuck becomes the first player suspended under the AFLs Illicit Drugs Policy, having attained a third strike. He is suspended for 12 months.
• 2010 – September 28. James Hird appointed senior coach at Essendon.
• 2010 – October 1. Dean Robinson begins working at Gold Coast AFL club. At about the same time Stephen Dank began consulting with Gold Coast.
• 2010 – October 8. Danny Corcoran hired as Essendon football manager.
• 2010 – December. Nathan Bock allegedly had injections at his home including the banned peptide CJC-1295
• 2011 – March. The AFL 2010 Annual Report says that inn 2009, the AFL conducted its largest number of out-of-competition tests under the Illicit Drug Policy, raising test numbers to 1568 from the previous year’s figure of 1220, with a total of 14 failed tests. This represented 0.89 per cent of all tests conducted. Since the policy was introduced in 2005, the rate of failed tests has dropped each year from 4.03 per cent (2005), 1.85 per cent (2006), 1.2 per cent (2007), 0.98 per cent (2008) to 0.89 per cent (2009).  Two players recorded a second failed out-of-competition test in
  2009, and a total of 4898 tests have been conducted to February 2010
  since the policy was introduced.
• 2011 – July/August. Mr. Dank met Mager Sedrak, a compounding chemist in Kogarah, Sydney. Subsequent to their meeting, Mr. Sedrak began supplying peptides to Mr. Dank.
• 2011 – July 26. While a doping control officer is at Windy Hill testing players, he is approached by Essendon senior coach James Hird. Hird wants to know about peptides and which AFL clubs were using them. The drug tester couldn’t answer the question but made a note of the conversation.
• 2011 – August. Mr. Dank — who had now left Gold Coast and was working with the Penrith Panthers—connected with Dr. Ijaz Khan and began treating a Penrith player named Sandor Earl. Earl alleged that Panthers’ strength and conditioning staff Matt Ryan and Carl Jennings told the players in 2011 that Dank was “consulting with the club … and helping with our programs”.
• 2011 – August.- Shane Charter, a biochemist, met Nima Alavi, a compounding chemist at the Como Compounding Pharmacy (“Como”), and discussed with Mr. Alavi the prospect of becoming the potential supplier of pharmacy products to Mr. Charter’s `Dr. Ageless’ business. It appears that Mr. Dank first came into contact with Mr. Charter around this same time (i.e. August 2011).
• 2011 – August 2.- Dank forwarded a text message to Robinson stating: “Hi mate. Just in consult for a shoulder reconstruction. This case will be of interest to you. We are utilizing Thymosin post surgically for one shoulder but prophylactically for the other. Thymosin is so effective in soft tissue maintenance.”

The AFL, Essendon and ASADA/WADA fun times.

• 2011 – August 5th. James Hird interviewed by ASADA and the AFL Integrity Unit regarding enquiries concerning other clubs and peptides. Hird advised of serious risk. Also present are Hamilton and Corcoran.
• 2011 – August 22.  Hird recieves the results of a clinical trial co-authored by Dank, courtesy of Robinson
• 2011 – August 23. Essendon dietician, Benita lawler, gives Hird an appraisal of lactaway stating it was ineffective, with no data on side effects. Dank forwarded a text message to Robinson stating: “Don’t forget how important Thymosin is. This is going to be our vital cornerstone next year. It is the ultimate assembly regulatory protein and biological modifier.”
• 2011 – August 25. Dean Robinson arrives at Essendon as its High Performance Coach.
• 2011 – August 29. Mr. Robinson arranged for Mr. Dank to meet with Dr. Bruce Reid, the Essendon club doctor. Dr. Reid stated, when interviewed by investigators, that Mr. Robinson had insisted that Mr. Dank come with him. Mr. Robinson described Mr. Dank as a “biochemist, a pharmacist, a nutritional expert … the best in Australia.”
• 2011 – September. ASADA formally launches Operation Cobia, an investigation into the suspected use of banned peptides and growth hormones in the NRL
• 2011 – September 29. Mr. Dank was interviewed for the position of sports scientist at Essendon by Mr. Hird, Mr. Robinson, Mark Thompson (Essendon senior assistant coach) and Daniel Corcoran (then Essendon people and development manager). At the interview, Mr. Robinson recalled Mr. Dank saying that he would never cross the WADA Code by using illegal substances. After the meeting, Mr. Hird invited Mr. Robinson and Mr. Dank to his home to discuss what they were going to do to “turn this club around.” It was agreed that Mr. Dank was to introduce and run a supplements program complying with the WADA Code and the AFI. Anti-Doping Code.
• 2011 – October 4. Robinson suggests to Dank that they refer to prohibited substances as “amino acids or something”
• 2011 – November 1.  Dank formally begins employment at Essendon. His responsibilities included “the design of supplementation protocols and recovery procedures and their implementation.“.
• 2011 – November.  Mr. Dank introduced himself to Mr. Alavi and approached him about his business being the official pharmacy to supply Essendon. They developed a working relationship until about September 2013 when contact ceased.
• 2011 – November. Dank cordinates the private testing of players without the knowledge of the club.
• 2011 – December 2. Shane Charter returns to Melbourne with Raw material for GHRP-6, CJC-1295, Thymosin Beta-4 and IGF1-LR3. During December 2011, he also ordered from China, via email, on behalf of Dank: GHRP-2, GHRP-6, CJC-1295, Hexarelin, Thymosin beta-4 and Mechano growth factor.
• 2012 – President David Evans and coach James Hird received a presentation on the peptide AOD-9604, which is mentioned in the Australian Crime Commission report on drugs and organised crime in sport, by the product’s Melbourne-based patent holder last year, it can be revealed.
• 2012 – January 10. Essendon is billed for 14 vials of Hexarelin at a cost $4,200
• 2012 – January 13. Reid became aware that players had been administered Tribulus orally and had been injected with AOD-9604 without his approval. Reid expressed his concern to Hird and to Hamilton that players had been getting injections of a peptide that he knew nothing about while the players and he had been told that they were getting vitamins and amino acids.
• 2012 – January 15. Robinson developed a new supplementation protocol (the Protocol), which was sent by email to Hird, Dank and Reid which required Reid to be informed.
• 2012 – January 16. Concerns about supplements being offend were raised by players at a leadership meeting. Mr. McVeigh, one of the team leaden, raised concerns with the coach and others in early 2012 about the supplement program. The leadership group were Messrs. Watson, Hille and McVeigh.
• 2012 – January 17. Dr. Reid wrote to Mr. Hird and Mr. Hamilton about players being given subcutaneous injections including AOD-9604. He pointed out his concerns as club doctor. After referring to a substance he stated: “I think we are playing at the edge and this will read extremely badly in the press for our club and for the benefits and also for side effects that are not known in the long term. I have trouble with all these drugs”.
• 2012 – January 18. Essendon was billed by Como for seven vials of Hexarelin and
  26 vials of “peptide Thymosin” at a combined cost of $9,860.
• 2012 – January 30. Hird forwarded a text message to Corcoran stating, in part: No stress but need to organise a meeting with you me Reidy, Danksy and Weapon the day you get back. Reidy has stopped everything which is getting a little frustrating. Need to get your United Nations skills back into action.
• 2012 – February 12. the Essendon players attended a meeting at the club auditorium. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Hird, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Dank and related to the new supplement protocols. Either at the meeting or shortly thereafter, the vast majority of players signed ‘patient information/informed consent‘ forms in which they consented to the administration of four substances including AOD-9604 and ‘Thymosin‘ by way of injections. It was asserted in the form that the proposed treatment was WADA compliant. Dr. Reid was not present at that meeting.
• 2012 – February 21. Casey player Wade Lees is reportedly under investigation for buying a fat-burning product online from the US in 2010. It was intercepted by Australian Customs, which informed the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority
• 2012 – February 29. Como issued an amended invoice to the Club which re-credited the Club for the costs of the Hexarelin and “peptide Thymosin”.
• 2012 – March. The AFLs 2011 Annual Report says The AFL’s most recent 12-month period of testing by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) for performance-enhancing drugs under the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code recorded no positive test results. ASADA reported to the AFL it conducted almost 1000 tests for the 12-month period from November 1, 2009, to October 31, 2010, with no positive test results.
• 2012 – March 8.  Dr Robin Willcourt (Willcourt) advised Dank by SMS that the cost of
  TA-65 was $1,450. This substance was later administered to REDACTED, a player at the Club. The use of TA-65 was not approved by Reid, in accordance with the Protocol, or otherwise.
• 2012 – March 12. Sometime prior to 12 March 2012, Mr. Charter introduced Mr. Dank to Sergio Del Vecchio, a businessman. They met and Mr. Dank spoke about peptides. Mr. Del Vecchio has stated that he questioned Mr. Dank about whether he was allowed to use peptides on professional athletes. Mr. Del Vecchio did his own investigations regarding whether peptides mentioned by Mr. Dank were banned and found that they were. He communicated this information to Mr. Dank.
• 2012 – March 13. Players at the Club commenced treatment at Skinovate Clinic,
  Suite 1, 143 Napier Street, Essendon. The invoices and an explanatory letter sent to the Club indicate that 155 intravenous (IV drip) treatments were administered to players (and perhaps others) from March 2012 to July 2012. The treatments were described as “sodium ascorbate solution (Vitamin C) and B-Dose (Vitamin B complex)”
• 2012 – March 13. Andrew Demetriou warns against the influence that sports scientists have over doctors at clubs.
• 2012 – April 12. Mr. Dank informed Mr. Hird “All IV and injections completed.”
• 2012 – April 15.  Three players were treated at Beechmont Natural Clinic, 32C Jardine Road, Lower Beechmont, Queensland. The invoices indicate that those players received injections of Traumeel, Vitamin B12 and Actovegin.
• 2012 – April 19. Mr. Dank texted Mr. Hird: “This afternoon’s group went very well on hyperbaric. All injections completed for the week,” to which Mr. Hird replied, “Good news. Now let’s take it up to the Blues.”
• 2012 – Two officials from Carlton’s high-performance unit were reportedly sent to spy on the chemist linked to Essendon’s controversial supplements program.
• 2012 – May. Mr. Dank and Mr. Alavi exchanged messages about setting up a business venture in Qatar. This was pursued by Mr. Dank who visited the Middle East but the venture did not come to fruition. Before the AFL Tribunal, Dr. Peter Fricker gave evidence about his contact with Mr. Dank in relation to this venture. At the time he met Mr. Dank, Dr. Fricker was working at the Aspire Zone Foundation as Chief Sports Medicine Advisor.
• 2012 – June 15. Robinson emailed Reid a list of supplements to be administered between the mid-year bye and the 2012 Grand Final, which included Thymodulin,
  Cerebrolysin and intravenous immune boosters.
• 2012 – September. Essendon self-reported its concerns over an alleged supplements program being used by its players to the AFL and ASADA. (Note: From CAS Judgement docs]
• 2012 – September 4. Stephen Dank leaves the Essendon Football Club.
• 2012 – September 24.  Paul hamilton resigns from Essendon
• 2012 – December 20. Caseys Wade lees receives an 18 month suspension for buying a banned substance that was intercepted by Customs. ASADA does not appeal.
• 2013 – January 31. ASADA and the AFL discussed certain matters arising from the ACC “Project Aperio”. Mr Paul Jevtovic of the ACC was in attendance. A briefing document was prepared, naming, amongst others, Essendon. Ms Andruska attended the meeting and took notes (as was her practice). The AFL attendees were Mr Andrew Demetriou (CEO), Mr Gillon McLachlan (Deputy CEO), and Mr Brett Clothier (Manager – Integrity Services). Mr McLachlan asked: “Is it Essendon?” Mr Jevtovic replied: “say no more”.
• 2013 – February 1. Mr Clothier telephoned Ms Andruska in order to discuss a strategy for an investigation. Mr Clothier adverted to the Player Rules and the powers therein. Ms Andruska responded with words to the effect of “we can use the AFL’s powers until we get our own powers”
• 2013 – February 3. – [AFL, NRL and other meet with Federal Government]
• 2013 – February 4 – [David Evans takes a call from Andrew Demetriou during a meeting, where Hird alleges the AFL tipped off the Bombers. This is denied by the CEO, Evans and the ACC]. Hird alleges that the AFL discussed the contents of an ucoming ACC report at this meeting, although no other participant recalls it. At the same meeting, Essendon are told that the ACC arent concerned with AOD 9604.
• 2013 – February 5. 9.00am – there was a second ACC briefing to the AFL and ASADA personnel. 11.50am- Mr Clothier attended a meeting with Mr McLachlan, Mr Evans (Chairman of Essendon), Mr Hird, and Mr Robson (then CEO of Essendon). Mr Clothier said that the AFL had received information from ASADA about Essendon. The information was about the high performance area of Essendon and the alleged dubious practices concerning supplements during 2012. At that meeting Mr Clothier said that “there will be a joint investigation”. 1.30pm – Mr Robson telephoned Ms Andruska of ASADA. He said that he had briefed the players approximately two hours ago, and that he wanted a full and complete investigation. To that end, he told Ms Andruska that an Essendon press conference would take place later that day. LeGrand alleges that ASADA had already decided to investigate Essendon before this call.
• 2013 – February 5. [Dean Robinson stood down]
• 2013 – February 6.  [The Justice and Sports Ministers released the ACC “Drugs in Sport Report”] [AFL press conference]
• 2013 – February 7.  [Mark McVeigh says everything was WADA approved][AFL makes emergency changes to drugs policy]
• 2013 – February 8. [WADA rules out drug amnesty]
• 2013 – February 8. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu  was retained by the AFL to collect and analyse data obtained from Essendon.
• 2013 – February 8. ASADA wins an appeal to extend the AFL Victoria suspension on Frankston midfielder Matthew Clark to the full two years.
• 2013 – February 9.  Ms Andruska and others met with Messrs Clothier, McLachlan, Evans and Robson. According to Ms Andruska, she understood there to be an “understanding” that there would be a “joint investigation” between the AFL and ASADA, and that ASADA would obtain information through the exercise by the AFL of its “compulsory powers”. Mr Richard Eccles, then Deputy Secretary of the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport was also present at the meeting
• 2013 – February 9.at a meeting in Canberra  between Ms Andruska, Messrs Clothier, McLachlan, Evans and Robson, it was noted that the “PM wants it to end” and there was a reference to “criticism of gov”.
• 2013 – February 10. [Essendon specifically cited as the club involved by Gillon Mclachlan]
• 2013 – February 10. Mr Clothier of the AFL wrote to Mr Simonsson and raised an impasse in the approach to the investigation. Mr Clothier asserted that: “ASADA and the AFL agrees that any player that comes forward in this matter and makes full disclosure will not be prosecuted if he unknowingly used a prohibited substance and was in the opinion of ASADA and the AFL, not culpable in relation to the use of the substance.”
• 2013 – February 10. Mr Nolan emailed Mr Clothier and requested that a template letter be produced by the AFL, so that persons could be directed to attend interviews as part of the investigation.
• 2013 – February 11. [Stephen Danks interview on 7.30 Report]
• 2013 – February 11. The concept of non-culpability was developed further in an email conversation between Mr Clothier and Mr Simonsson where the notion of “exoneration” for a player was discussed.
• 2013 – Febraury 13. Mr Simonsson emailed Mr Clothier and suggested that, where a player came forward and admitted anti-doping conduct in a sworn statement, “ASADA and the AFL will fully explore all avenues in an attempt to provide substantial assistance or a no fault or negligence defence”.
• 2013 – February 15. ASADA prepared the interview plans to be used in the investigation. Mr Walker of ASADA deposed that there was no input from the AFL into those interview plans.
• 2013 – Februaury 20. Mr Simonsson and Mr Darren Mullaly of ASADA attended a meeting with Essendon and spoke to the players and other Essendon personnel en masse. Mr Simonsson read from a prepared statement and handed out a document. The document referred to “our agreement with the Australian Football League about how the investigation is going to proceed”, and spoke of the assurance to be proffered to the Essendon players if they provide substantial assistance.
• 2013 – February 26. Mr Robson emailed an individual who was now in a support position at a different AFL club, noting it was “safe to assume” that that individual will be “interviewed by the ASADA/AFL Investigation team”
• 2013 – February 27. [Essendon announce a full and independent review]
• 2013 – March 1. The AFL was placed on notice by lawyer Chris Pollard, acting for several Essendon personnel, that the power to conduct a “joint investigation” was challenged. Mr Pollard wrote to Mr Haddad and stated: “The Code neither contemplates a ‘joint’ investigation nor the use of information obtained by ASADA being used by the AFL for any other purpose, save the procedures authorised under the Code. This much is clear [upon] a consideration of the Code in its entirety and, in particular, the terms of clauses 4 and 12.”.
• 2013 – March 4. [Rumours that the AFL and ASADA have done a deal to get a lighter penalty for Essendon]
• 2013 – March 5. Ms Sharon Kerrison of ASADA sent emails to Mr Haddad at the AFL, in effect agreeing to the terms of the draft AFL notice to Essendon players and officials to attend interviews.
• 2013 – March 7. ASADA issued a new statement The new wording was provided by Ms Perdikogiannis of ASADA to Mr McLachlan and Mr Clothier in a letter. This new wording spoke of “substantial consideration” being given to not opposing the defence of substantial assistance but affirmed that now the players carried the onus of establishing substantial assistance. Mr McLachlan wrote back to ASADA and took issue with the changed wording proposed by Ms Perdikogiannis. The AFL asserted that Essendon players and personnel had relied upon the original statement (from 20 February) and that the investigation had commenced and was ongoing on the basis of that reliance.
• 2013 – March 8. Ms Perdikogiannis replied to Mr McLachlan’s letter and affirmed the revised ASADA position. She thanked him for the AFL co-operation to that date.
• 2013 – March 8. Mr Ragu Appudurai, lawyer from Russell Kennedy, acting for various Essendon personnel, emailed Mr Walker of ASADA questioning the legality of the “joint investigation”. Mr Appudurai stated, inter alia: “While the Australian Government Investigations Standards contemplates joint investigations by (government) agencies … there appears to be no provision for collaboration with non-government bodies.”.
• 2013 – March 14.  [AFL clarifies that it, not ASADA will hand down penalties]
• 2013 – March 14. There was a meeting between ASADA investigators and the AFL investigators to discuss an investigation strategy and division of workload between the AFL and ASADA. Later that day, ASADA provided to the AFL a “searchable PDF file of all relevant documents provided by Deloitte” to the AFL.
• 2013 – March 15. Mr Robson emailed Mr Clothier “ . . I remain keen to work with you and the ASADA Investigation team to ensure a smooth and efficient process in locking in all the remaining interviews with players and staff. …”
• 2013 – March 28.  [Secret ASADA deal plan abandoned]
• 2013 – April 10. Mr Hird received a letter from Mr Clothier, headed “Notice for Interview: James Hird”. Mr Hird’s legal representative received an email communication from Mr Nolan, attaching an “explanatory document”
• 2013 – April 12. [Demetriou says James Hird should consider standing down]
• 2013 – April 16.  [James Hird testifies to ASADA] The Interview was introduced by Mr Haddad, an employee of the AFL, and then principally conducted by ASADA investigators John Nolan and Aaron Walker. Mr Haddad and the two ASADA investigators were present throughout the Interview. At the commencement of the Interview, the AFL employee said to Mr Hird, in the presence of the two ASADA investigators, words to the following effect: “This is a joint investigation between AFL and ASADA — the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency — and it’s run under the rules of the AFL”
• 2013 – April 18. [7.30 report alleges Melbourne involvement]
• 2013 – April 18. Mr Clothier asked Mr Mullaly to produce a report containing information arising out of the investigation which could be used by the AFL for its purposes.
• 2013 – April 19.  [Melbourne club doctor resigns]
• 2013 – April 19 – Mr Nolan emailed various ASADA colleagues about “the release of an interim investigation report”. He had spoken to Mr Clothier a week earlier and said it was “doable, but it would require clearance from [Ms Andruska] and our Legal Unit”. He then raised at least 10 questions for consideration by ASADA
• 2013 – April 22..  [WADA clarifies status of AOD9604]
• 2013 – April 30.  [The Independent report into Essendon is completed]
• 2013 – May 2. Ms Kerrison asked Mr Haddad to produce player supplement spreadsheets in preparation for the player interviews
• 2013 – May 6. [The Switowski Report is released]
• 2013 – May 6. It would appear that Mr Simonsson gave certain representations to the Essendon players that they would receive favourable treatment if they co-operated with the investigation. The Essendon players were encouraged by Mr Simonsson’s comments to answer the questions put to them during the course of the investigation. Shortly after the presentation to players on 6 May 2013, player interviews commenced.
• 2013 – May 23. [Ian Robson resigns]
• 2013 – May 24. The AFL and the then Minister for Sport, the Honourable Senator Kate Lundy, and a government media advisor (Mr Chris Owens) met with ASADA and discussed the terms of the proposed Interim Report. Mr Demetriou was not happy with at least two things: he wanted the Interim Report to be provided openly; and he considered the timeline for the release of the Interim Report to be completely unacceptable.
• 2013 – June4。 Ms Andruska and Ms Perdikogiannis of ASADA had a conversation with Ms Glenys Beauchamp, the Secretary of the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport. The handwritten notes recorded by Ms Perdikogiannis record the following: 9am conversation with Glenys Beauchamp [with] AA. Clear instructions from Min.–    Min – her colleagues at her, or accusing her of hampering chances of re-election – you need an outcome.Heightened levels of anxiety by AA, “and Elen gets emotional as well” 。 Big business sponsors, Australia’s reputation, etc.。Min has put it on Glenys, etc. Ms Andruska also took a note of the meeting. Her note recorded: Lundy – needs something – Deal with AFL – support staff sacked, points off, players – off – Know can’t do without ASADA agreeing。
• 2013 – June 4。 Another meeting took place on 4 June 2014 between Ms Andruska, Mr McLachlan, Mr Evans and Mr Eccles. Ms Andruska’s note records an AFL comment: …do all at once and get it right…1 million tickets – first 2 weeks of finals…Ziggy – CEO Done…Richard E – Chris Owens。。。。Max. opportunity for best outcome for players
• 2013 – June 13。Mr Burgess recorded a conversation he had with Mr Eccles. Mr Eccles had been told of a proposed AFL Board Meeting and was given information about what was going to occur at that meeting. Mr Eccles was told by a representative of the AFL that the AFL would keep the pressure on ASADA to be the “bad guy”. It was reported that the AFL had stated in respect of the player support staff, such as Mr Hird, that the “AFL will go them”. It was also noted by Mr Burgess that if the “evidence stacks up, take points off them” (namely Essendon)
• 2013 – June 14. Mr Nolan of ASADA told Mr Clothier of the AFL that he will be given access to the draft report.
• 2013 – June 19. Mclachlan on behalf of the AFL again asked for a report and disclosed that such report was required to “resolve matters” and preserve the integrity of the 2013 season. There was also the issue of governance failure issues as well.
• 2013 – June 24. [Jobe Watson interview on the Couch]
• 2013 – June 25  [Esendon statement re: Jobe Interview][ACC Clarify AOD postition]
• 2013 – June 25. Solicitor Tony Hargreaves wrote to ASADA on behalf of Essendon and raised various issues. He commented: “You have advised that the draft report is nearly complete. We assume the reason a report is being prepared is because this is a ‘hybrid’ investigation being conducted jointly by ASADA and the AFL. Accordingly, there are other possible breaches of the AFL Anti-Doping Code which extend beyond the issues of Anti-Doping Rule violations. These other possible breaches do not give rise to any subsequent powers under the ASADA Act or the NAD Scheme. However, they do give rise to the exercise of powers by the AFL under its Anti-Doping Code.”
• 2013 – June 28. Ms Andruska went on leave, with Mr Burgess becoming acting CEO of ASADA.
• 2013 – July 1. [Mark Evans says the AFL could take points]
• 2013 – July 2. a further phone conference occurred between ASADA and the AFL concerning the contents of the Interim Report. ASADA recorded the outcomes of the conference as follows – (a) Conclusions on the environment at Essendon that goes to the behaviour of its support personnel. (b) ASADA’s position on whether it intends to prosecute any cases on AOD9604 and (c) Conclusions on whether there is sufficient evidence for ASADA to further investigate individual players (as required by its statutory obligations) with respect to other prohibited substances (incl hexarlin and thymosin beta 4.
• 2013 – July 3. [Gillon Mclachlan says he expects a report by August]
• 2013 – July 9. A teleconference took place between ASADA and the AFL. The AFL expressed concern about any limitation on the contents of the report ASADA was to provide. The AFL wanted the report for its own decision-making purposes.
• 2013 – July 13. Fremantles Ryan Crowley tests positive to a banned substance immediately following a game against GWS.
• 2013 – July 16. ASADA and the AFL discussed the impending Interim Report. Mr Clothier of the AFL made clear what the AFL wanted included in the report and the uses to which it would put such information. “The AFL required the information/evidence collected through the interview process to be assembled in a way that paints a picture of the uncontrolled EFC environment – to a large extent provide information (evidence to support) the Ziggy Report which is all conclusions. The AFL also wants the Report to include any evidence that the EFC was duped – notwithstanding its incompetence to protect themselves and the EFC against such threats.”
• 2013 – July 19. [WADAs John Fahey states that AOD9604 is definitely banned]
• 2013 – July 20.  Ms Andruska returned from leave
• 2013 – July 21. [Dean Robinson interview on Channel 7]
• 2013 – July 22.  [Shane Charter states Hird knew nothing about peptides]
• 2013 – July 24. Mr Clothier of the AFL emailed Ms Andruska, Mr Dillon and Mr Demetriou. He referred to a meeting that morning and noted the confirmation that the “investigator’s report” (ie the Interim Report) would be provided to the AFL by 1 August 2013. It was agreed at that meeting that ASADA would contact the ACC and that ASADA would send a draft version of the Interim Report with redactions to the AFL “as soon as possible”
• 2013 – July 27.  [David Evans Resigns][Robinson announces he will sue Essendon]
• 2013 – July 29. [5 Doctors reported to the Regulator as a result of ACC Investigation]
• 2013 – July 30. Mr Nolan sent an email to a number of ASADA personnel including Mr Simonsson, Ms Perdikogiannis, Mr Mullaly and Ms Andruska, copying in Mr Walker, Ms Kerrison, Matt Sheens and Mark Nichols. He wrote: The investigation into Essendon has been conducted jointly with the AFL.…I have never been led to believe that this was anything other than a joint investigation. Indeed, the AFL and ASADA has been challenged regarding the decision to conduct a joint investigation and have declared the arrangement to be both appropriate and lawful.”
• 2013 – July 31. Ms Andruska records in her notes that Mr Clothier was concerned about confidentiality and privacy matters.
• 2013 – July 31. Mr Hargreaves, lawyer for Essendon, wrote to ASADA and expressed strong opposition to any communication of the Interim Report to the AFL. Minter Ellison Lawyers, on behalf of the AFL, wrote to Mr Hargreaves denying that the release of the Interim Report was illegal or improper. Significantly, Minter Ellison Lawyers confirmed the Interim Report was itself merely a step in the continuing process of investigation.
• 2013 – August 1. [Essendon statement on the Dean Robinson interview][Federal Police say Hirds house was never raided]
• 2013 – August 1. Its reported that Ahmed Saad (St Kilda) is under investigation for testing positive to a banned substance.
• 2013 – August 2. [The AFL announces it has the ASADA Interim report][Essendon Statement]
• 2013 – August 4. [Essendon receives the Interim report]
• 2013 – August 5. [Essendon makes a statement denying James Hird had been told to stand down]
• 2013 – August 6. [Hird denies any rumours he was told to stand down]
• 2013 – August 6. Essendon’s lawyers wrote to ASADA stating that: “…the players were actively encouraged by ASADA, the AFL and the Club to fully cooperate with the investigation and to answer all questions put to them. My understanding is that each player of the Club did so, without reservation.”
• 2013 – August 7.  [AFL Denies punishment has already been decided]
• 2013 – August 7. Ashurst Australia wrote to Minter Ellison Lawyers and sought information relating to the AFL’s contribution to the Interim Report.
• 2013 – August 8. [Hird says he’ll be stagged if the AFL levies charges based on the interim report.] [Steve Dank offers to help Essendon]
• 2013 – August 12. Mr Hargreaves wrote again to Minter Ellison Lawyers and stated that the Interim Report was unlawful.
• 2013 – August 13. [The AFL issues its charges to the Essendon Football Club] [Essendon Statement] [Watson statement]
• 2013 – August 16. Essendon receives a revised charge list from the AFL.
• 2013 – August 16. ASADA wrote to the AFL of the use of the Interim Report for a purpose other than an anti-doping violation purpose
• 2013 – August 17. Paul Little releases statement saying Essendon will fight the charges
• 2013 – August 19. Hird, Corcoron, Thompson and Reid are granted extensions by the AFL to prepare their defence.
• 2013 – August 20. Former AFL medic and now Essendon consultant Andrew Garnham tells AFL 360 that AOD9604 was always advised to be legal by ASADA in 2011 and 2012. [Essendon is granted more time to prepare its defence]
• 2013 – August 21. the AFL wrote a letter to ASADA in which it replied to the ASADA letter dated 15 August 2013. The AFL disputed that it was not permitted to use the Interim Report for a purpose other than an anti-doping violation purpose
• 2013 – August 21. [The AFL publicly releases the charges against Essendon.] [Essendon declare the charges to be reprehensible.] [Hird complains the charges are a trial by media.] [ASADA again deny ever approving AOD9604 to any sporting body].
• 2013 – August 22. [Meeting of All AFL Presidents called at AFL house.] [Hirds lawyers lodge writ with the Supreme Court.] [AFL Presidents unamious support for the AFL]
• 2013 – August 26. Hird, Thompson, Reid, Corcoran and Essendon negotiate with the AFL
• 2013 – August 27. The AFL announces penalties of a $2 million fine, payable over 3 years, loss of draft picks in 2013 and 2014 (although they can trade back into the draft). Hird is suspended for 12 months, Corcoran for 6 months (2 suspended). Thompson is fined $30,000. Reid opts to contest the charges.
• 2013 – August 29. Reids lawyers defy the AFLs right to conduct the hearings and threaten supreme court action.
• 2013 – September 11. Robinson launches court proceedings against Essendon
• 2013 – September 17. AFL drops charges against Doctor Reid.
• 2013 – October 9. Dean Wallis fired
• 2013 – October 13. Mark Thompson announced as interim Essendon coach
• 2013 – October 15. AFL medical officer Dr Peter Harcourt says that 12 clubs conducted programs with medium or high levels of supplement use and lacked “a single point of accountability”, and there was also an inappropriate definition of supplements and the selection process of support personnel was flawed
• 2013 –  October 20. Corcoron says he wont return to the Bombers
• 2013 – December 3. Ahmed Saad is banned for 18 months by the AFL Tribunal  – backdated to August – for taking the banned stimulant methylsynephrine, contained in the pre-workout drink “Before Battle”
• 2013 – December 5. Heraldsun reveals Hird still being paid by Essendon even though suspended
• 2013 – December 5. ASADA announces it will appeal the Saad Ban, demanding the full two years.
• 2013 – December 13. The AFL threatens to withhold Essendon funding
• 2013 – December 14. The AFL accepts that Hird has been paid in advance and will not actually be paid in 2014.
• 2014 – February 3.  Retired Judge Downes appointed to review ASADAs investigations
• 2014 – February 24. The AFL Appeals Tribunal upholds the 18 months ban on Ahmed Saad.
• 2014 – February 26. ASADA advise the Senate Estimates Committee that Investigations are now complete.
• 2014 – March 2. The Heraldsun names 12 players involved in the investigation
• 2014. – March 14. ASADA issues Show Cause Notice to Stephen Dank
• 2014 – April 30. Downes report scheduled for completion
• 2014 – May 9. Aurora Andrushka finishes at ASADA. Bill McDevitt appointed ASADA CEO
• 2014 – May 15. Workcover Victoria receives a request to investigate the Essendon Football Club.
• 2014 – May 30. Ms Perdikogiannis provided to the CEO a recommendation in the form of a 97 page report. It addressed what was said to be an anti-doping rule violation — the use of a prohibited substance, namely Thymosin Beta 4. The alleged use is said to have occurred between about January 2012 and September 2012. The document was called a “Show Cause Pack”.
• 2014 – June 5. The Age reports ASADA has reinterviewed Alavi and Charter after the Downes reivew
• 2014 – June 13.  ASADA issues Show Cause Notices to 34 past and present Essendon players.
• 2014 – June 17 – Worksafe Victoria recieves a request to investigate up to Nine AFL clubs.
• 2014 – June 19.  McDevitt states no prosecutions for AOD 9604 use
• 2014 – June 20. Workcover begins investigating Essendon and none other victorian AFL clubs, as well as the AFL.
• 2014 – July 3. AFL chief medico Peter Harcourt says THREE AFL players have retired due to drug addiction and it has also been revealed other players were temporarily withdrawn from play while being treated for drug use.
• 2014 – August 11. Essendon, Hird v ASADA trial begins. [Hird says he accepted ban and settlement under duress]
• 2014 – August 12. Essendon, Hird v ASADA Trial enters second day.
• 2014 – August 13. Essendon, Hird v ASADA Trial enters third day.
• 2014 – August 24. Hird returns to work at Essendon
• 2014 – September 1. Elizabeth Lukin and Essential Media ordered to hand over all documents relating to Robinsons employment to Robinsons lawyers.
• 2014 – September 19. Federal Court hands down its judgement on Hird, Essendon v ASADA . Justice Middleton says ASADA complied with the rule of law in establishing and conducting, in the manner and for the purposes it did, the investigation. In addition, ASADA lawfully provided the Interim Report to the AFL, which has subsequently been acted upon by the AFL in bringing disciplinary charges against Essendon and Mr Hird.
• 2014 – September 19. [Essendon Club Statement] [ASADA Statement][AFLPA Statement][WADA Statement]
• 2014 – October 2. Robinson settles wrongful termination suit against Essendon.
• 2014 – October 9. Hird lodges solo appeal against Federal Court Judgement. [Hird Statement]
• 2014 – October 17.  ASADA Annual Report tabled before Parliament
• 2014 – October 17.  ASADA issues amended Show Cause Notices to 34 Essendon players
• 2014 – October 23. The AFLPA confirms that Essendon players wont contest the show cause notices.
• 2014 – October 28. AFL announces ASADA will prosecute at the Anto Doping Tribunal
• 2014 – November 10.  Hird v ASADA Federal Court Appeal begins
• 2014 – November 12.  Essendon players listed on the Register of Findings by the ADRVP
• 2014 – November 13. Hird v ASADA Federal Court Appeal begins
• 2014 – November 14. Hird v ASADA Federal Court Appeal enters second day. [AFL formally issues Infraction Notices]
• 2014 – December 1.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal Directions hearing allows ASADA to seek Supreme Court assistance in getting Alavi and Charter to testify.
• 2014 – December 3. Victorian Supreme Court hears arguments over the ability of the AFL and ASADA to issue subpoenas.
• 2014 – December 8. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal Chairman announces that hearing will be private.
• 2014 – December 11. Victorian Supreme Court continues to hear arguments over the ability of the AFL and ASADA to issue subpoenas.
• 2014 – December 12. Victorian Supreme Court rules ASADA cant issue subpoenas to Alavi and Charter.
• 2014 – December 15. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal begins. ASADA begins opening submissions. [Australian reports other clubs involved][Carlton Football club statement]
• 2014 – December 16.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. ASADA opening submissions continue. Essendon lawyers request for club representation is denied.
• 2014 –  December 17. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. ASADA opening submissions continue
• 2015 – January 12.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. ASADA opening submissions continue
• 2015 – January 13.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. ASADA opening submissions continue.
• 2015 – January 14. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. ASADA calls medical specialist.
• 2015 – January 15.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. Procedural issues discussed
• 2015 – January 20. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. Opening submissions from player lawyers.
• 2015 – January 21. – AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. Medical experts continue to testify on substances
• 2015, January 22.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues discussing admissable evidence
• 2015, January 23.  AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues discussing admissable evidence
• 2015, Janaury 27. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal Continues discussing admissable evidence
• 2015, January 29. AFL Anti Doping Tribunal continues. Adjourned to Feb 16th
• 2015, January 29. Essendon players threaten to boycott NAB Challenge unless backdating is guaranteed
• 2015, January 30. Full bench of the Federal Court dismisses the Hird appeal. the appeal failed because the appellant failed to show that the investigation conducted by ASADA in cooperation with the AFL was not authorised by the ASADA Act and the NAD Scheme and that the primary judge should have so held.
• 2015, February 2. Hird reserves the right to go to apply for a High Court appeal.
  2015, February 5. ASADA to submit written closing submissions to Tribunal.
• 2015, February 11. Essendon confirms players will not seek the AFLs permission to play in the NAB challenge.
• 2015 – February 12. Players to submit written closing submissions to Tribunal
• 2015 – February 13.  AFL to submit written closing submissions to Tribunal
• 2015, February 16. Oral submissions from ASADA and the AFL .[AFL Announces Essendon top up concessions]
• 2015, February 17. Submissions from players. Court Adjourns for decision. Essendon begin naming top up players
• 2015, February 20. Port Adelaide confirms that Monfries and Ryder will sit out NAB challenge.
• 2015, February 23. Worksafe Victoria clears nine AFL clubs, but but the Victorian WorkCover Authority’s probe into Essendon and the AFL continues.
• 2015, February 26.  2015 NAB Challenge begins.
• 2015, February 28. Hird confirms he will not pursue an appeal to the High Court
• 2015, March 3. Essendon scheduled to play St Kilda in Morwell.
• 2015, March 13. Essendon scheduled to play GWS in Sydney
• 2015 – March 16. Fremantles Ryan Crowley is issued a show cause notice after testing positive to a banned substance on a match-day in 2014. He immediately begins a provisional suspension.
• 2015, March 20. Essendon scheduled to play Melbourne at Docklands
• 2015, March 31. AFL anti doping tribunal hands down its findings. Not comfortably satisfied that 34 Essendon players violated the Leagues anti doping code. Findings on Stephen Dank not released.
• 2015 – April 2. Former Essendon player Hal Hunter launches Supreme Court action to get any documents relating to the supplement program during 2012-2013 from the AFL and Essendon.
• 2015 – April 8. Collingwoods Lachie keefe and Josh Thomas charged by ASADA with taking banned substances.
• 2015, April 17.  Tribunal finds comfortable satisfaction on 10 counts of Dank breaching the AFL anti doping Code. The Tribunal cleared him on another 24 counts.
• 2015, May 8. WADA files its statement of Appeal with CAS.
• 2015, May 11. WADA announces it will use its independent right of Appeal to the COurt for Arbitration for Sport.
• 2015, May 22. The AFL and ASADA both request to be included in the appeal.
• 2015, May 28. The players nominate James Spigelman QC as their chosen aribitrator.
• 2015, May 29 .WADA requests 45 day extension to file its brief
• 2015, June 1. WADA confirms its agreement that the AFL and ASADA join the appeal. The 32 players agree to the AFL joining but object to ASADA’s participation.
• 2015, June 9. CAS aprroves the AFL and ASADA involvement in the hearing.
• 2015 – June 11. Ryan Crowley receives a 12 month suspension for taking a banned substance on match day.
• 2015, July 8. WADA files its appeal brief.
• 2015 – July 28.The AFL files its response to WADA,.
• 2015, July 31. The 32 players object to parts of the WADA appeal including its scope and desire to include new evidence.
• 2015 – August 10. Lachie Keefe and Josh Thomas accept two year bans for taking banned substances in 2014.
• 2015 – August 26. Hearing date announced for CAS hearing.
• 2015, September 10. CAS confirms the hearings will be “de novo” in basis.
• 2014 – October 28. Former Essendon player Hal Hunter asks the Victorian Supreme Court to force the AFL and Essendon to hand over documents relating to Essendons supplements program.
• 2015 – November 9. Worksafe Victoria completes investigation into the AFL finds “it could not be established to the requisite standard” that the AFL breached the act”. Essendon is formally charged with two breaches of the 2004 OHS Act and if found guilty are facing a fine of up to $305,000.
• 2015 – November 16.  WADA appeal to the Court for Arbitration for Sport begins at its Oceania offices in Sydney.
• 2015 – November 21. Appeal before CAS is complete.
• 2015 – November 26. The AFL is ordered to hand over documents to Hal Hunter. Essendon is found by the justice to have already handed over all of its available documentation.
• 2015 – November 29. Essendon pleads guilty for failing to provide a safe workplace.
• 2016 – January 12. The Court for Arbitration for Sport finds all 34 Essendon players guilty and sentences them to a 2 year suspension, backdated to the beginning of their provisional suspension.
• 2016 – January 15. The AFl and Essendon announce they will chase Hal Hunter for costs incurred in the court case.
• 2016 – January 18. Essendon is fined $200,000 in the Victorian District Court for “for workplace safety breaches for what a court found was a reckless and secretive drug and supplements regime“.
• 2016 – February 5. Essendons Insurers commits to funding the 34 players appeal to the Swiss courts.
• 2016 – February 10. Deadline for Appeals to CAS. At least some of the players involved are confirmed to lodge an appeal on the grounds that the ‘de novo’ nature of the hearings was unlawful.
• 2016 – February 10 – Essendon 34 lodge appeal with Swiss Tribunal. The players’ legal team argue that the WADA appeal should not have been heard ‘de novo’ (essentially as a fresh case) and that the evidence of players should have been considered on an individual basis.
• 2016 – August 30. Lachie Whitfield revealed to have been investigated for deliberately hiding from drug testers with the help of two former Greater Western Sydney football officials.
• 2016 – October 11. Swiss Federal Tribunal dismisses the appeal without hearing.
• 2016 – November 13. Most player suspensions will end.
• 2016 – November 15 – AFL Commission hearing to determine fate of Jobe Watsons Brownlow medal
• 2017 – February 17. All player suspensions will have ended.