ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson admits he and his teammatesremain concerned that they might receive infraction notices from ASADA.
Speaking after he arrived back in Melbourne following apre-season training camp in the United States, Watson told Fox Sports: "Weunderstand that from the day this started, back in February, that there was achance of that happening.
"It's an ongoing thing and nothing's changed."
Watson made his comments only 12 hours after Bomberspresident Paul Little told the club's annual general meeting he was confidentthe players did not ingest any banned substances.
Back in June, however, Watson told Fox Sports' On The Couch program that he believed he had taken AOD-9604, which isbanned by the World Anti-Doping Authority.
The continued speculation over Essendon's situation has comeon the same day as the National Rugby League's announcement of proposedpenalties for the Cronulla Sharks, who have been embroiled in their ownsupplements saga this year.
The Sharks are facing a $1 million fine, while their coach,Shane Flanagan, is likely to be banned for next season.
"The club has breached the NRL code of conduct througha serious failure to safeguard the health and safety of its players," NRLchief executive Dave Smith said.
PUNISHMENTS PROPOSEDFOR CRONULLA BY THE NRL
- $1 million fine, $400,000 suspended if certain conditionsare met.
- Senior coach Shane Flanagan suspended for 12 months (theclub has to choice to decide whether to pay him during the suspension).Suspension can be reduced to nine months if Flanagan completes a trainingprogram set out by the NRL.
- Former strength and conditioning coachTrent Elkin to be deregistered.
PUNISHMENTSHANDED DOWN TO ESSENDON BY THE AFL
- $2 million fine
- Senior coach James Hird suspended for 12 months on fullpay (payments made in advance so he is not receiving money in 2014)
- Football manager Danny Corcoran banned for six months
- Senior assistant coach Mark Thompson fined $30,000
- Banned from the first two rounds of the 2013 and 2014 NABAFL Drafts
- Banned from competing in 2013 finals series
