AFL

Supplements Saga

Re-signed: Aaron Francis.

Dons get good news ahead of player returns

A day before their suspended stars become free to return to the club, Essendon received further good news after No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis agreed to a two-year contract extension.

CAS secretary-general Matthieu Reeb.

CAS expects Essendon player appeal verdict in November

The AFL will enjoy clear air during finals from a drug case that has haunted it for four years, provided the timing of the Essendon player appeal verdict expected by world sport's chief arbiter - which is party to the landmark dispute - proves correct. The Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled 34 Bomber players would incur 12-month suspensions for banned substance use, has told Fairfax Media it does not expect ultimate judgment on the matter until November; at least four weeks after this season's AFL grand final.

Banned Bomber Michael Hurley gave an emotional interview to Channel Nine's Footy Show.

Don't talk to me about 'Danksy', says an emotional Hurley

Stepping back into football after a year where he sought refuge abroad and returned with half his face covered by hair, banned Essendon player Michael Hurley has invited broad questioning with one clear no-go zone: Stephen Dank. In a filmed nine-minute interview to be broadcast by Channel Nine on Wednesday night, Hurley makes no secret of the fact he entertained changing clubs due to the drug scandal that halted him at peak of his AFL powers.

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.