Devastated Essendon captain Jobe Watson has spoken for the first time since the shock suspensions handed to 34 past and present Bombers players.

In a statement released on behalf of the banned group on Wednesday afternoon, Watson said they were still struggling to come to terms with the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision.

Despite the suspensions handed down, Watson said all players remained firmly of the belief they were innocent, with their legal team to conduct a thorough review of the ruling.

Watson didn’t address the possibility of being stripped of the 2012 Brownlow Medal.