AFL

Supplements Saga

Higher and higher: Michael Hartley (centre) flies for a ball last weekend.

Dons offer new deal to defender

One of Essendon's good news stories in 2016 is on track to continue beyond this season, with the Bombers offering key defender Michael Hartley a new two-year contract.

Attracting interest: Michael Hibberd

Roos defends Dees' Hibberd interest

Melbourne coach Paul Roos says he sympathises with Essendon counterpart John Worsfold, but insists the Demons have not broken any rules in approaching contracted Bomber Michael Hibberd.

Xavier Campbell.

Dons chief hits back at Koch

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell has questioned the professionalism of Port Adelaide chairman David Koch - who suggested last week that it was "not a great look" for the Bombers to receive the No. 1 draft pick this year.

Fit and firing: Jobe Watson (right).

Worsfold's warning to Watson

Essendon coach John Worsfold says he warned Jobe Watson not to return to the Bombers next year unless the captain can give his "full heart and soul" to the game.

Back in black: Dyson Heppell

Heppell sticking with Dons

Essendon star Dyson Heppell says he is "super excited" after becoming the fifth of the banned Bombers to re-commit to the club for 2017.

Lindsay Tanner has defended David Evans.

Tanner defends David Evans' legacy

Essendon chairman Lindsay Tanner has leapt to the defence of his predecessor David Evans, after Evans was publicly criticised by former board member Beverly Knight for taking the club backwards whilst he was in the role.

Under fire: ASADA chief Ben McDevitt has been heavily criticsed by James Hird's father, Allan.

Why ASADA chief refused to release documents

Ben McDevitt has been pitched into the role of firefighter these days, detouring him from the responsibility as chief executive of ASADA, the government body responsible for combating drugs in sport.

The cost of the jabs so far is estimated at $35 million and rising.

How much has the Essendon saga cost?

James Hird's latest defeat in court – this time being slugged with a bill for $660,000 – is another chapter in a saga that could eventually cost more than $35 million.

Madigan to call for Senate inquiry into Essendon saga

Independent Victorian senator John Madigan will seek two motions in the Senate on Monday, calling for an inquiry into the handling of the Essendon drugs saga and for key documents relating to the case to be released.

Sharapova case: "Maria had a prohibited substance in her body, which she admitted she took, so she's going to get a ...

How the Bombers drug ban could impact the Sharapova case

The Court of Arbitration for Sport's verdict in the Essendon drug case could act as an important precedent in Maria Sharapova's bid for clemency after her positive Australian Open test for meldonium, Tennis Australia president Steve Healy believes. 

Suspended Essendon star Dyson Heppell.

Will Dyson Heppell return to Essendon?

The uncertainty over the future of Essendon's elite suspended talent continues to grow, with Dyson Heppell among those still deliberating whether to return to the club next year.