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Essendon Players Escalate Drug-Meeting Concerns as AFLPA Advises Club Bosses

Essendon denies disclosing testing figures, with reporting clarifying captain Zach Merrett was not the leak.

Overview

  • A June briefing on illicit drugs led by CEO Craig Vozzo with coach Brad Scott and football boss Dan McPherson was presented as a welfare and education session.
  • Several players complained to the AFL Players Association about confidentiality and tone, saying the issue should have gone to the leadership group first.
  • The AFLPA contacted Vozzo to discuss the drug code and appropriate player communications, and he accepted the guidance.
  • Essendon rejected suggestions it revealed how many players tested positive, while club chiefs receive policy data from AFL legal boss Stephen Meade twice a year.
  • Former player David Zaharakis criticized the club’s direction as results slumped, with Essendon finishing 15th this season.