James Hird says there's a definite sense of freedom around Essendon, even though their long-running supplements saga is yet be resolved.
ASADA said mid-week it was considering appealing the AFL anti-doping tribunal's decision to acquit 34 past and present players at the club of taking banned substances.
But after Saturday's gallant 12-point loss to Sydney, Hird said his players felt free.
"They have the feeling this is over," he said post-match.
"There's obviously an appeal, perhaps, but they certainly feel like they've got more freedom, they talk like they've got more freedom and certainly played like they've got more freedom as well."
Despite 13 players not getting a single match under their belt during the pre-season, the Bombers pushed the Swans to the limit in their round-one fixture at ANZ Stadium.
They led by 41 points late in the third quarter, only to concede eight consecutive goals in the final term.
"There's not many sides that will come to Sydney and run them to two goals, particularly with the preparation we've had," Hird said.
"So we're very excited about the season ahead.
"We lost, and there's some things we've got to clean up and got to get better at, but I think we're a good football team and we'll go and play Hawthorn next week."
Share
