Essendon chairman David Evans denies he has fallen out with coach James Hird over the AFL club’s anti-doping investigations.

Speaking before the Friday night blockbuster against Hawthorn, Evans said he and Hird remained good friends.

“For the record, there is no rift – he’s been a 20-year friend of mine and he’ll be a friend for the next 20 years as well,” Evans told a pre-game function at Etihad Stadium.

But Evans admitted the continued stress of the investigations was taking its toll.

Essendon have been in the headlines again this week over a phone call that AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou made to Evans in early February, the night before the club revealed their supplements crisis.

Earlier on Friday, Demetriou said he had no ill feeling towards Hird, despite the coach having given evidence to ASADA about the phone call that has forced the AFL chief executive to publicly defend his integrity.

Also, the Essendon board publicly declared its support for Evans and Hird.

There had been reports that some directors were concerned at the way Evans has defended the club in the face of the supplements investigation and that Hird shared their misgivings.

“Thank God it’s football night,” Evans said before the Hawthorn game.

“It would be ridiculous for me to stand here and say it’s been a good week – you all it’s been pretty tough.

“I’m not going to address any of the issues that dominated the headlines, except to say your club is in good hands.

“We’re all doing what we can to see the club through this difficult time.

“I’m doing my job as chair (and) and the board is supporting me.”

Demetriou also praised Hird on Friday and said he had no personal animosity towards the Bombers coach.

Before the phone call, Demetriou had received a confidential briefing from the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) on drugs and crime in sport and, the following day, the Bombers called on ASADA and the AFL to investigate them.

Demetriou on Friday repeated his claim, which has been backed by the ACC, that he didn’t break the commission’s confidentiality agreement by tipping off the Bombers.

Had he done so, it would have been a crime.

Demetriou said Hird, who was at a meeting with Evans and other Essendon officials when Evans received Demetriou’s call, was entitled to have his own interpretation, but he was determined to defend his integrity.

“I will defend my reputation and clear the air and make sure that the truth is told,” Demetriou said on ABC radio.

“I think James Hird is a person of the highest integrity. That may be his version.”