I have to say that I think the situation was mishandled from day one ...
and I have to question why there was 'negotiations' with essendon about their penalties .... why were they negotiating at all with a club who has breached their code of ethics ??? would any other club be given the same courtesy ... I think not .... just because they are one of the big victorian teams doesnt mean they should get special treatment ....
and to be told they will remain 9th ..... what about all the other clubs sitting below them .... with equal points .... they cant advance up the ladder because essendon is sitting at 9th .... they should have been moved to the bottom of the ladder ... stripped of all their points ..... make their season null and void .... no votes in the brownlow should be allowed .....
I also think that they should have been put on a good behaviour bond for 2 years ..... to keep them on the straight and narrow and let other teams know that they are being watched by the AFL .... and not just getting a free ride along .....
the fine is nothing ..... the draft picks .... well they will do without those ...sure to be some untapped talent around for them to grab ... other clubs do it ....
as to james hird .... he was gonna do a lot ....but has gone quiet .... me thinks that his solicitors told him to take what he was offered and go quietly ..... unless he wanted a worse penalty ..... I doubt he would do this if he wasnt behind the 8 ball ....
