ASADA is expected to need at least three days to outline its case at the landmark AFL anti-doping tribunal hearing.

The hearing opened on Monday at Melbourne’s County Court, nearly three years into the Essendon supplements saga.

It involves anti-doping allegations against 34 current and past Essendon players and sports scientist Stephen Dank.

The hearing is closed to the media.

“Following discussion on various procedural matters, (Malcolm) Holmes QC commenced his opening submissions on behalf of ASADA,” the AFL said on Twitter.

“It is expected that the opening submissions of ASADA will continue on Thursday and Friday when the hearing resumes.”

No details were given about what was said at Monday’s session.

The hearing is scheduled to resume on January 12.

ASADA’s case took a hit last Friday when the Supreme Court rejected its bid to force two witnesses to appear at the hearing.