ESSENDON chairman Paul Little has hit out at the Herald Sun for naming the 14 current and former AFL players who have been identified in ASADA's initial report into the Bombers' supplements program.

The players, whose names were published on Saturday night, are reportedly at risk of being hit with infraction notices, which could lead to suspensions.

Ten of the players are still in the Essendon squad, while two are now playing for rival clubs.  The report also named two former Bombers now playing suburban football.

In an open letter to members, which was published on Essendon's website on Sunday morning, Little wrote: "This week the club received information that stage one of the ASADA investigation process has now concluded and Stage 2, the review stage, will begin – this is following standard ASADA procedure.

"Throughout this investigation, confidentiality has been paramount to protect the integrity of this process – unfortunately, at various times this process has been undermined by leaks, mistruths and a lack of ethical and professional behaviour.

"Today the club is particularly disappointed that the Herald Sun would choose to provide confidential information from an incomplete and interim report that could easily and unfairly damage the reputation of our players.

"As previously stated, we believe that our players did not take anything harmful, performance enhancing or illegal during 2012.

"Our club is by no means in any crisis but we are particularly frustrated and disappointed that the Herald Sun has been unable to show the same level of professionalism and integrity as our players have done throughout this process."

AFL.com.au has chosen not to identify the players.

Infractions? That's not how I read it, says Evans

Later on Sunday, an AFL spokesman said the League had not been notified by ASADA of any impending action against any AFL players.

"ASADA should be left to conclude its deliberations," he said.

AFL.com.au is seeking comment from ASADA and federal sports minister Peter Dutton.

AFL Players' Association boss Matt Finnis criticised the move to publish the players' names.

"(The AFLPA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the publishing of names and photos of current and former Essendon football players in today’s Herald Sun.
 
"The players’ association calls on everyone to respect the process and integrity of the ASADA investigation – just as the players have done since this regrettable saga arose.

"For over 12 months, players have withstood enormous uncertainty, public scrutiny and speculation over their health, their careers, and their reputations.
 
"But for over 12 months, players have honestly, candidly and transparently cooperated with all authorities involved in multiple investigations.
 
"You would hope that by now, there might be some level of acknowledgment of the invidious position these young men have been placed in, which is higher than publishing names and photos of some of them in a major daily newspaper in a manner which only fuels further speculation and uncertainty."


If infraction notices are issued, players have 10 days to provide an initial response.

Cases then progress to the AFL Anti-Doping tribunal, which decides the penalties.

ASADA effectively acts as the prosecutor in such hearings, and can appeal if not satisfied with the findings or penalties.

It is almost 13 months since Essendon ‘self reported’ to the AFL amid concerns about its supplements program.


Former Federal Court judge Garry Downes is expected to review the evidence and determine whether further action should be taken.

On Thursday, AFL football operations manager Mark Evans expressed doubts over an imminent conclusion to the matter.

"I know that they've presented something for determination," Evans said.

"But they'll contact us when they're ready to tell us something further.

"I'd also be surprised whether there's a full stop on to anything.

"People would always reserve the right to review things in the future anyway."