AFL club Melbourne has admitted links between its team doctor and the man central to the Australian sport anti-doping investigation.

But the latest club to be dragged into the supplements row denies it has done anything illegal.

The AFL says it is urgently seeking an explanation from Melbourne over its dealings with former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank, with the Australia Sports Anti-Doping Authority’s (ASADA) probe into supplement use now certain to widen to take in the Demons.

On Thursday night, the ABC’s 7.30 Report claimed to have text messages between Melbourne’s club doctor Dan Bates and Dank stretching back to mid-2012.

Several Demons players were named in the messages, which suggest a supplements regime at the club that Dank was involved in.

None of the substances mentioned in the Melbourne text messages are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In a lengthy statement on Friday morning, Melbourne said there was no evidence any of its supplements breached the WADA drug code, and that Dank never directly treated players nor worked directly for the club.

But it admitted Bates and Dank had been in communication prior to the launch of ASADA’s investigation into Essendon, though Bates always had the final say in any treatment for Demons players.

“At no time was Dank able to directly treat players,” Melbourne said in its statement.

“Dank and Dr Bates communicated via email, phone and text, regarding supplements (prior to the ASADA investigation).

“Our processes require Dr Bates to consider the appropriateness of any treatment and make a determination as to its suitability at all times, to ensure that the welfare of our players is always maintained.”

The AFL, which last week said Essendon was the only club involved in the wider Australian sport anti-doping investigation, has now issued the Demons with a “please explain” over their involvement with Dank.

“As part of its initial inquiries in February, the AFL approached the Melbourne Football Club to ascertain the club’s involvement with Stephen Dank,” the AFL said in a statement.

“Melbourne provided the AFL with an explanation, however the matter has remained open as part of the AFL’s broader investigation into Mr Dank’s activities with AFL clubs.

“The AFL was not previously aware of the claims broadcast … by the ABC and these will form part of ongoing investigations by ASADA and the AFL.

“The AFL is urgently seeking a further explanation from Melbourne Football Club about the veracity of the claims and how they can be reconciled with previous statements from the club.”

The ABC alleges the text messages between Dank and Bates continued until the day Essendon fronted a media conference to reveal they had concerns over their supplements program and Dank’s work at that club.

The Demons have had a terrible season, losing their first three matches by huge margins.

They face a critical clash with Greater Western Sydney Giants at the MCG on Sunday.