Whatever the verdicts from the AFL anti-doping tribunal on March 31, at least everyone at Essendon will finally know where they stand.
The patience of all concerned has long since disappeared as the club’s supplements scandal has shambled into a third year.
The hardest part for the team itself has been the waiting – not really knowing what this season holds for them.
March 31, sadly, will not be the end of the saga.
There will surely be appeals whether the 34 current and past Essendon players are found guilty or acquitted.
And if current players are found guilty, then the tribunal must decide the crucial question of penalties.
But four days before they start the season against Sydney at ANZ Stadium, Essendon will have a much clearer idea of what this season holds.
Senior assistant coach Mark Harvey, who returned to Essendon late last year, was asked about the mood around the club heading into the season.
“The intriguing question is, what is it going to be like when the decision is made and everyone can get on with business – particularly from a players’ point of view?” he told AAP.
“They can get down to business and concentrate on their No.1 priority – football – without distractions they’ve had over the last two years.”
Of course, the lie of the land might be very unpleasant.
Heavy NAB Challenge losses show that if a large chunk of their charged players are suspended and they keep having to use top-ups, they will effectively be cannon fodder.
Even if only a small group of players are suspended, and even if they can have their bans backdated to a minimum of six months, then they are still out of action until some time in May.
If it’s all the charged players still at Essendon – about 18 of them – then the Bombers’ season is over before it starts.
Also, if any players are banned, once again the question will be asked – where does that leave coach James Hird?
If the players are found not guilty, the Bombers will again be a fascinating team to watch.
True, they will have to gell quickly on the field after a disjointed pre-season, but when it comes to resilience they have had plenty of practice in the last two seasons.
Losing ruck-forward Paddy Ryder to Port Adelaide was a big blow.
Tom Bellchambers, plus recruits Jonathan Giles and Shaun McKernan, must lift in his place.
Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney is an interesting addition, particularly given all the chatter out of Essendon is that he has enjoyed a strong pre-season and his wonky knee is behaving.
But overall, Essendon must become more consistent.
They lurched into September last year and gave up a solid halftime lead in their elimination final loss to North Melbourne.
The Bombers have not won a final since 2004.
“There are two things that needed to be addressed from last year – one was, at times, the team wasn’t good enough to stop opposition momentum,” Harvey said.
“Secondly, our ability to score was minimised by the opposition – or, in fact, by ourselves.”
Harvey likes the look of what he sees at Essendon, saying they have an experienced list that will be quite dangerous.
Of course, two big question are how many of those players will be available. And when.
ESSENDON
Coach: James Hird
Captain: Jobe Watson
Last five years: 14-8-11-9-7
Premierships: 16 (1897, 1901, 1911-12, 1923-24, 1942, 1946, 1949-50, 1962, 1965, 1984-85, 1993, 2000)
Key five: Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley.
One to watch: Joe Daniher. The talented father-son pick is poised for a big year after learning the ropes in 26 games in his first two seasons at the club. The towering forward is thriving under the tutelage of legendary Essendon goal-kicker Matthew Lloyd.
Ins: Patrick Ambrose (Essendon rookie), Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs), Jonathan Giles (GWS), James Gwilt (St Kilda), Kyle Langford (Northern U18), Jayden Laverde (Western U18).
Outs: Sean Gregory (delisted), Kyle Hardingham (delisted), Leroy Jetta (delisted), Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide), Dylan van Unen (delisted).
Best line-up:
B: Michael Hibberd, Cale Hooker, Dustin Fletcher
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
C: David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard
HF: Paul Chapman, Jake Carlisle, Adam Cooney
F: Jason Winderlich, Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett
R: Tom Bellchambers, Brent Stanton, Heath Hocking
I: Ben Howlett, David Myers, Patrick Ambrose, Travis Colyer
Predicted finish: 14th
Betting (William Hill)
To win the flag: $26
To make the top eight: $1.95
