The 34 past and present Essendon players involved in the controversial supplements scandal have been found not guilty by the AFL anti-doping tribunal.

The not guilty finding frees up to 17 current Bombers players to line up in Saturday’s round one match against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Three other former Essendon players now at other clubs – Port Adelaide duo Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries and Western Bulldogs forward Stewart Crameri – can also play in round one.

The Bombers were forced to pick makeshift teams during the pre-season competition as the players involved in the supplements case were all provisionally suspended.

Australia’s peak sports anti-doping body (ASADA) is now expected to appeal the tribunal’s finding.

The AFL said the decision by the anti-doping tribunal was unanimous.

“The Tribunal was comfortably satisfied that the substance Thymosin Beta-4 was at the relevant time a prohibited substance under the Code,” tribunal chairman David Jones said in a statement.

“The Tribunal was not comfortably satisfied that any player was administered Thymosin Beta-4.

“The Tribunal was not comfortably satisfied that any player violated clause 11.2 of the AFL Anti-Doping Code.”

But the tribunal has yet to rule on any alleged violations by former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank.

David Grace, the lawyer representing the Essendon players, said they had received a very fair hearing and were happy with the result.

“We mounted a very strong defence to the case and the result is here today,” he said.

Asked about the prospect of any further legal action being launched by Essendon players or officials, Grace said: “I cannot say whether there’s going to be any further legal action.

“We’re going to see the players now and talk to them.

“I think all they will be interested in is playing on Saturday.

“It is nice to get an outcome for them.”

Jones said the tribunal’s decision and its reasons had been provided to the relevant parties.

“That function does not include the provision of decision and reasons to other persons,” he said.

“Any publication of the Tribunal’s decision and reasons is a matter for the parties.”

ASADA has yet to respond to the not guilty decision.

The anti-doping body is expected to hold a media conference in Canberra on Wednesday.