Bombers set up program supervision

James Hird at Windy Hill before the team flew out to Perth for tonight's clash against Fremantle. Picture: Getty Images Source: Herald Sun

BESIEGED Essendon coach James Hird was aware the controversial supplements program at Windy Hill last year needed fierce scrutiny.

It's why, on January 15, he oversaw a detailed list of parameters surrounding the approval of use of all supplements.

The Herald Sun has obtained an email from Hird to disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank, high-performance manager Dean Robinson and club doctor Bruce Reid.

Robinson's email sets out stringent layers of accountability, which centred on Dr Reid being informed of the use of all supplements and their effects, positive or negative.

Under no circumstances were supplements to be used if they were not ticked off - by ASADA first, and then by Reid, according to the email.

Hird starts his email with: "You know my thoughts on supplements."

Dank reported to Robinson, who reported to football manager Paul Hamilton (who departed the club this year), who reported to chief executive Ian Robson.

It's believed the club was alerted to irregular practices by Dr Reid, who told club chairman David Evans of his concerns.

The Herald Sun has previously reported that Dr Reid had concerns about players being taken off-site to receive injections.

It's known that expense forms put in by Dank to the club also were a concern.

It's understood the budget for the sports science area was $100,000 over.

Dank was effectively relieved of his duties mid-year, although the supplements program continued.

Reports emerged of text messages between Hird and Dank, alleged to show discussions of injections and the use of supplements to aid recovery.

The messages included discussion around the use of two specific substances, Thymosin and Ubiquinone.

But key Bombers players yesterday put their faith in Hird.

Club doctor Bruce Reid had concerns about Essendon's supplements program. Source: Herald Sun

Club doctor Bruce Reid had concerns about Essendon's supplements program.

Star Essendon utility Paddy Ryder said Hird would never have injected banned substances out of respect for himself, his family and the club.

"He's not stupid enough to do anything like what everyone is saying," he told the Herald Sun.

"He's a smart man and he wouldn't do anything to bring any negativity down on himself and his family."

Asked if players would stand by the coach, Ryder said: "Yeah, for sure."

Bombers great Tim Watson, father of Jobe, urged caution about Dank's claims.

Defiant Essendon fans, at Windy Hill for yesterday's training, rejected calls for Hird to stand aside pending the results of continuing investigations.

"If he says he didn't do it - and it's not even illegal if he did - then why would you ever want to lose him?" Bombers fan Paul O'Neil wanted to know.

"He means a hell of a lot to the club."

mark.robinson@news.com.au

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