Essendon coach James Hird says he’s not worrying about the prospect of losing premiership points when the ASADA investigation into his AFL club’s supplements program wraps up.
Hird was saying little about the ongoing investigation after another week of speculation regarding Essendon’s possible use of a banned substance last year.
The week started with allegations players were used as guinea pigs in a virtual clinical trial of AOD-9604, an anti-obesity drug unapproved for human use, during the 2012 supplements program under investigation.
The spectre of the Bombers, who are on track for a top-four spot, being stripped of premiership points was also raised.
And Essendon chairman David Evans has also defended skipper Jobe Watson against suggestions the skipper should be stood down after admitting he believed he was injected with the banned substance.
Evans also says the club has been told AOD-9604 is not a performance enhancer.
When asked whether he was concerned about the chances of the Bombers being docked premiership points after such a solid season to date, Hird said on Friday: “I’m not. But I’m not here to give a running commentary on everything that’s said.
“I think we all look forward to the day the investigation’s finished and the report’s released.”
Hird says he expects the probe will be concluded in August.
The Bombers play Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.