Essendon coach James Hird leaves his home yesterday, a day after speaking with ASADA investigators. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun
ESSENDON players have been given access to a range of mental health experts as a leading sports psychologist says they can continue their winning streak during the drugs investigation.
Coach James Hird was interviewed by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on Tuesday, with investigators to talk to players next week.
The Bombers' unbeaten run will be challenged by two games in five days - against St Kilda on Saturday then Thursday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood - which bookend ASADA's talks with senior players.
Carlton great Robert Walls is one expert who wonders if Essendon players will eventually be overcome by the burden of playing while under investigation.
Essendon says it continues to offer players a range of counselling programs, with the AFL Players Association also offering its support.
Sports psychologist Noel Blundell said yesterday he saw no reason why Essendon's players would become overwhelmed after three straight wins.
"It's amazing when players have to address peer issues off the field, they grow stronger," Blundell said.
"It's a real challenge to the culture of the club, and so far they seem to be handling it all well.
"If Essendon was smart it would have sat down as the process evolved and come up with a clear overall plan."
Bombers football manager Steve Alessio said the players were being encouraged to confront any problems head-on.
"Certainly, that's the case in-house," Alessio said.
"It's not only the psychologists, it's a lot of senior coaches and senior people around the club (who are providing support). If anyone has issues, whoever they feel most comfortable talking to, we want them to raise those issues.
"That's the big challenge with everything going on, to ensure that from the playing group the focus continues to be on the game and so far we can't fault the boys with their focus."
Walls wondered if the players might hit a brick wall this weekend as the investigation took its toll.
"They are in a bubble at the moment," Walls said.
"Confidence is on the upswing but this isn't going away and you just have to wonder how long can they keep this up? I have a feeling, eventually, it will get them down."
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