The media conference will be held at * later this afternoon*.
The Bombers are expected to respond *.
The ASADA and AFL probe into Essendon's supplements program in 2011 and 2012 began in February and has cast a pall over the club's season.
Coach James Hird admitted on Sunday after the loss to West Coast, the Bombers' third on the trot, that the saga had affected the players' mental state.
"There's no doubt the speculation, the intensity of the press, and the expectation of what's to come can't help but affect your preparation for a game, and I think that's across the board," Hird said.
"I think the players were affected today.
"I think they were affected during the week – it was a big week in terms of off-field stuff."
The scandal has claimed the jobs of former Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton, CEO Ian Robson and club chairman David Evans, who resigned after a health scare following the round 18 loss to Hawthorn.
Sports scientist Dean Robinson, who broke his silence last month in a paid interview on Channel 7, and biochemist Stephen Dank were also casualties.
Robinson, amongst other allegations, said it was Hird who "drove everything".
"It was no expense spared - everything was whatever it takes, and I guess that was the slogan they went with this year, 'Whatever it takes' because that was James Hird's attitude," Robinson said.
Questions over the status of anti-obesity drug AOD9604 have been a feature of the six-month investigation into the Bombers.
Captain Jobe Watson admitted in a television interview in June that he had taken what he believed to be AOD9604 last season.
He said he had signed a consent form to take the substance, but believed at the time it was legal.
Essendon officials have consistently maintained their believe that players had not taken banned substances.
More to come
Timeline
September 24, 2012
Paul Hamilton resigns. A statement released by the club says he "made a decision to further develop his career and explore other opportunities".
February 4
Meeting at David Evans' home involving James Hird, Ian Robson, club doctor Bruce Reid and football manager Danny Corcoran. Phone call from Andrew Demetriou was received.
February 5
Press conference at AFL House at which the Bombers announced they had self-reported "concern" over information received about their supplements program.
Dean Robinson stood down by the club.
February 27
The Bombers announce an external review of their practices, to be conducted by former Telstra CEO Ziggy Switkowski.
April 11
Fairfax report alleges Hird took banned substances with the help of Dank.
May 6
Switkowski review complete – a key finding is, "The CEO must be accountable for everything that happens within his organisation".
May 23
Ian Robson resigns, saying, "There is no excuses in not knowing, and as CEO, I am accountable and I accept that accountability".
June 24
Jobe Watson admits to having taken what he believed to be AOD9604, believing it was not banned.
July 16
Further doubt over whether AOD9604 was banned under ASADA rules raised on AFL 360, with allegation that those who enquired after it in 2012 were told it was legal.
July 25
Evans denies he is standing down after a routine board meeting.
July 26
Evans remains defiant ahead of Essendon-Hawthorn clash. However, his health deteriorates in the rooms post-match and Hird uses his press conference to plead for an end to the saga as it is, "Affecting so many people's lives … it's got to the point where it's going to affect people's lives permanently".
July 27
Evans stands down.
July 28
Paul Little appointed as club chairman. Says the board is behind Hird and will support him into the finals.
July 31
Robinson breaks his silence.
August 11
Little tells pre-match lunch that expected charges against the club and some officials will give Essendon a chance to be 'uninhibited' for the first time in its defence.
Jennifer Phelan is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenPhelan.
