With the 2013 finals series just a fortnight away, it remains unclear just what impact the dispute will have on the course of the season.
Below are the various reactions from club coaches and presidents to recent developments, including James Hird's legal action against the AFL.
Click here for full coverage of the Essendon supplements saga
Port Adelaide president David Koch
"Like everybody else we want this resolved as quickly as possible.
"At Port Adelaide we have Angus Monfries on our list so we've got a duty of care to one of our players as well and that's really important for us to get to the bottom of the whole thing so we'll wait and see.
"I think there are all sorts of questions that everyone has on where we're up to; we just want as much information as we can. We all have a duty of care to our players and that includes having the very best information, particularly if we've got one player that's been involved.
"No one wants a public slinging match. I'm sure we can resolve this and we've got to get on with the footy, we've got to get on with the finals. I think that's top of mind for everyone."
Hawthorn president Andrew Newbold
"It needs to end as soon as it can.
"I'm really concerned about the good of the game and the effect that it's having on the sport in general, on the kids out there.
"The other codes in Australia must be looking at us and rubbing their hands in glee.
The most heart-wrenching thing that I've heard in this whole saga was the mother on the radio."
Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon
"I certainly support the need for the AFL and the AFL Commission to uphold the integrity and the standards of the game and I think that's a proposition that's true for all of the clubs.
"It's an important issue and we support the requirement of the AFL to investigate it and go through the proper process."
Carlton president Stephen Kernahan
"I go in with an open mind. We all read it yesterday and it wasn't great reading ... 'Fitz' [Mike Fitzpatrick] is going to fill us in and we'll fill you in afterwards."
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse
"The events of yesterday really is an ongoing saga, the way I see it.
"We're not part of it so we just step back now and let what's to be happen.
"It's an AFL issue with the Essendon Football Club, so our concern is playing the Essendon Football Club and not worrying (about) these other things (that are) no doubt hanging over their head."
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire
"It is time. It has been an Essendon-AFL investigation, but other people have been drawn into it.
"They'll want to say how it will affect this year's finalscompetition and you have to remember that every other club has skin inthe game in this."
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon"It’s clearly coming to ahead. The game will always survive because it’s a great game and we alllove it, amongst that angst there’s some great football being played andsome great young players emerging.
"As a football coach itis a bit emotional because it’s a distraction, but we all see therelease yesterday and we’re sitting there wondering what’s going on,we’re looking for a conclusion. But I think I like the fact [that] everybody gets an opportunity.
"So I still have great faith in theleadership of the commission, headed up by Mike Fitzpatrick. I’m sureeveryone will work their way through it and the game will continue tothrive, that’s the game we all love so much."
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna
"There's been enough talk on it. We've got our heads in the sand a bit and just focusing on what we need to do.
"We're in our own fights just trying to get a side together each week, 22 fit lads.
"It's in the right hands, it's being held and cared for the way it should be. We just have to let nature take its course.
"You don't want any issues or sagas at your football club no matter how bad they are."
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick
"It's a sad state of affairs, there's no doubt about that. I know a lot of people in both situations, so it is a sad day for footy.
"Let's just hope we get the best result. Whatever that is I'm not sure.
"I'm like everyone, we're just sitting back still waiting I guess.
"It's clearly a massive issue in football at the moment, I'm hoping we can also talk about some football at some point, but I also understand the interest in it.
"I understand it's a big issue for all parties involved, but we're obviously two weeks out from a finals series beginning and clearly our focus and our players' focus is on that."
