The 34 current and former Essendon players feel relieved and vindicated after being found not guilty by the AFL anti-doping tribunal, the players association says.
AFL Players Association CEO Paul Marsh says they have always believed the players did nothing wrong but Essendon does have to carry the blame.
"This decision does not absolve the Essendon Football Club of blame," Marsh told reporters.
"Players were placed in an unacceptable position that put their health and careers at risk.
"For over two years these players' lives have been hijacked by this issue through no fault of their own.
"Today's decision brings a sense of overwhelming relief and vindication of the players' consistent position of innocence throughout this saga."
Marsh said the tribunal decision, at the end of a long and drawn out process, brought an end to the uncertainty and scrutiny the players faced.
He said the feedback from players was that Essendon had addressed the serious issues and learnt lessons from what had gone on.
Share
