The decision announced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to uphold WADA’s appeal is devastating.<\/em><\/p>\n We are struggling to come to terms with this decision, and feel it does not support the players’ firm belief that we are innocent.<\/em><\/p>\n Our legal team is conducting a thorough review of the decision and will explore any avenues available to us.<\/em><\/p>\n The players would like to thank our families, our friends, our members and supporters for their unwavering support.<\/em><\/p>\n We would also like to thank the AFLPA for their ongoing support throughout the last three years.<\/em><\/p>\n We will not be making any further comment and ask the media to please respect our privacy during this extremely challenging period.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThis is a setback, but they’ll work through it and we’ll support them in that,\u201d said Hinkley. \u201cWe’ll have the opportunity to upgrade two rookies.\u201d<\/p>\n Chris Davies said the pair would not be allowed to train at the club.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are devastated for Angus and Paddy. They are exceptional young men and we’re proud of the way they’ve handled it,\u201d Mr Davies said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe two players can’t train with us, they can’t be at the footy club.\u201d<\/p>\n EARLIER<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAs tough as this sanction feels, the AFL accepts the decision of CAS. We feel very disappointed for the players.\u201d<\/p>\n AFL CEO Gill McLachlan announced Essendon may upgrade all of its five rookie listed players to the senior list as a 1-1 replacement, and will be granted the ability to sign up to 10 extra players to its list, by powers granted by the Commission.<\/p>\n Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Port Adelaide may immediately upgrade a rookie to replace any suspended player, he said<\/p>\n Mr McLachlan also announced that Jobe Watson\u2019s Brownlow medal win in 2012 will be reviewed.<\/p>\n The Commission determined the Brownlow medal needs to be reviewed in light of today\u2019s decision, and will be done in February, he said.<\/p>\n AFLPA boss Paul Marsh said he was \u201cbitterly disappointed by today\u2019s decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have maintained a consistent position that these players did nothing wrong, and today\u2019s decision does nothing to change our view.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is important to note that the players took all reasonable steps to assure themselves that what they were being given was compliant with the WADA Code.<\/p>\n Mr Marsh said the players\u2019 legal team will now conduct a thorough review of the decision, the process which has led to it, and the general applicability of the WADA regime to the AFL. <\/p>\n \u201cWith respect to the sanction, we cannot comprehend how the players have received the maximum sanction under the Code.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Watch #AFL<\/a> Players Association CEO Paul Marsh's full speech to the media #Essendon<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/FFQl35HQ2z<\/a><\/p>— ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) January 12, 2016<\/a><\/blockquote>
\nTUESDAY<\/h3>\n
UPDATE (2:23pm): Port Adelaide Football manager Chris Davies and Senior Coach Ken Hinkley say they are \u201cdevastated\u201d for Angus Monfries and Paddy Ryder and will stand behind the pair.<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cms.fiveaa.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/screen_shot_2016-01-12_at_2.28.06_pm.png\")
<\/p>\nUPDATE (12:49pm): AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick says Essendon\u2019s 2012 supplements program was a stain on the competition.<\/h3>\n
\u201cThe program at Essendon in 2012 was a stain on our game – it has had a terrible impact on the players, club, and AFL,\u201d he said.<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cms.fiveaa.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/screen_shot_2016-01-12_at_12.59.38_pm.png\")
<\/p>\nUPDATE (11:46am): AFL Players Association slams CAS decision, saying Essendon players are victims, not perpetrators.<\/h3>\n
WATCH HERE:<\/h3>\n