The AFL Commission looks set to rule on Essendon’s penalties for its suspect 2012 supplements program later on Monday.
The commission’s meeting started at 8.30am (AEST) at Melbourne’s AFL House, with stripping of premiership points shaping as a likely outcome among a range of sanctions for the club.
Heavy fines, the loss of draft picks and possible suspension for key figures in the scandal including Bombers coach James Hird are also among the options being canvassed.
Essendon chairman Paul Little and Hird conceded on Saturday they will face punishment, but the main sticking point is understood to be an unwillingness to accept any suggestion they are drug cheats.
The Bombers have been under investigation by the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and the AFL since February over the club’s 2011-12 supplements program.
An interim report was presented to the AFL earlier this month, with sanctions set to be based on that while the ASADA investigation remains ongoing.
Acting on the report, the AFL charged Essendon, Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, Bombers football manager Danny Corcoran and senior assistant coach Mark Thompson with offences relating to conduct unbecoming and bringing the game into disrepute.
Hird has filed a separate Supreme Court writ against the AFL that remains alive.
He made no comment to media as he left home on Monday morning.