Dons' review may result in more questions than answers
UPDATE: Switkowski report to be released at 12.30pm on Monday
OFTEN with answers come many more questions.
Essendon will reveal details of former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski’s internal review on Monday at 12.30pm, but it remains unclear just how much will become clear about the club’s controversial supplements program.
Switkowski’s brief was to review Essendon’s governance, practices and procedures.
The report was handed to the Bombers board last week, with the AFL briefed last Monday. Then, a legal hitch relating to suspended fitness boss Dean Robinson delayed the release of details.
On Monday, Essendon chairman David Evans will front a news conference and explain the report’s recommendations and findings. It’s believed not everything will be made public because of the ongoing ASADA investigation and other confidentiality requirements.
The aim of this internal-yet-independent inquiry was to get some fast answers, as the higher-level investigations by ASADA, the Australian Crime Commission and AFL continue, and potentially drag on for many more months.
So what are they main questions Evans will face? Will he be able to answer them?
1. Are you confident you have a complete report considering Dean Robinson wasn't interviewed?
2. Who is ultimately responsible for ignoring club doctor Bruce Reid and trusting Stephen Dank? Why does that person still have a job?
3. Can the club guarantee this season is not being compromised?
4. Were the 'consent' forms really about protecting the club, not the players?
5. How much did this supplements program cost the club? And how can you justify asking members for money to build your new facility while at the same time spending money on what could turn out to be cheating?
6. Why wait for ASADA - why not just go public with everything? Surely the truth can't impact the outcome of an investigation.
Whatever the outcome of Monday’s announcement, one thing is certain, this saga is not over. ASADA will begin interviewing Essendon players as early as this week. There is no guarantee of an outcome to that inquiry before the end of the season.
Matt Thompson is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @MattThompsonAFL