The AFL Commission met today in Melbourne, Monday June 16, on the matter of AFL match fixturing on Good Friday. Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick issued the following statement after the meeting:

Mike Fitzpatrick:

“The AFL Commission has met this morning as per our normal meeting schedule.

“I want to announce that the AFL Commission has today approved for the first time the scheduling of an AFL match on Good Friday.

“There has been a growing appetite to hold a game on this day and on balance we believe the time is right. 

“AFL matches are scheduled on every other public holiday during the season and we know that many families want to be able to attend and or watch football together on that day.

“It is now up to the AFL Executive to determine whether or not to create a Good Friday fixture, and if so, when and where.  Other details such as who might compete in such a game will follow.

“I also want to touch on ASADA and Essendon.

“As part of our meeting this morning, the Commission was briefed by the AFL General Counsel, Andrew Dillon, on the latest developments in the matter of the ASADA investigation into the supplements program at the Essendon Football Club in 2012.

“he issuing of the 34 show cause letters is clearly a very serious development for the players, for the Essendon Football Club and for the entire AFL Competition.

There are a number of legal processes now underway, and the AFL will not be providing ongoing commentary on these matters.

“The AFL Commission, the AFL CEO and the AFL General Counsel all have responsibilities under our rules and under the ASADA codes that require us to be extremely cautious in our statements.

“However, there are a few matters the AFL Commission will make clear.

“This process has gone on for too long. And I am extremely disappointed that the players are in this position.

“The AFL last year took strong and timely action against the club and three individuals at the club – and those individuals and the club accepted the penalties. 

“The interim report delivered to the AFL Commission last year about the Essendon supplement program in 2012 outlined very serious breaches of our rules and it was clear that the program subjected our players to unacceptable risks – and ONE of those risks is playing out now.

“The AFL Commission believes that the players must be given the space and support to pursue their legal rights.

“We support the role of the AFLPA in offering independent legal counsel for the players, and will continue to be in contact with the Players Association where appropriate.

“I also note again that from the outset of the investigation the players have fully cooperated with all requests and inquiries made of them.

“We understand the frustration of our supporters and industry that this issue is still going. 

“We acknowledge that ASADA has a job to do and we need to let that process take its course.

“The AFL Commission will not comment on the legal case mounted by the Essendon Football Club except to say we respect their right to do so. This is entirely a matter for the Board of the football club.”