In his first significant public comments about the doping allegations that have engulfed his club, Evans also thanked league chief Andrew Demetriou for his "support" on Friday when he warned other clubs against "scurrilous innuendo" suggesting Essendon players were still benefiting from their 2012 supplements program.
Evans said it had been difficult to listen to all the commentary on the issue "without fighting back and defending our players".
"I'd love to stand here and give you a full account of what's happened and how, and certainly I'd love nothing more than to be correcting some of the more wild accusations and speculation … but I ask you again for your patience while we let the AFL and ASADA investigations take (their) course," he told a pre-match luncheon before the Bombers' clash with Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"But I promise you this: that every decision the board has made since that day early in February has been putting our players' best interests at heart to get them through this investigation, to give them the support we can and continue to give them our strongest encouragement and confidence …
"I can also promise you this: whatever happened last year with what I conceded were irregular practices, there is no advantage to our players (this year), and this will be proven.
Evans said the Bombers' on-field efforts had shown they are "wonderful and mature-age men".
"We know some of them are real characters but what we have seen this year is their real character: grace under pressure, strength under fire, and commitment to the collective … They have truly been outstanding," he said.
"The older players (are) supporting the younger ones and the leaders are stepping up, and the group is really looking after itself. It is truly great to watch. Out of every painful experience for our club, we can at least take some heart in the fact that these young men are utter professionals...
"To do them justice, and to do our club justice, we too must be utterly professional through our day-to-day duties as well."
