Thirty-four past and present Essendon players have been found guilty by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for violating anti-doping rules, in one of the darkets days faced by the club.
Twenty-seven-year-old Patrick Ryder who made his debut with Essendon in 2006, and is now with Port Adeliade, has also been affected and will be out for the 2016 AFL season.
Port Adelaide are shattered they will be without Ryder.
Nathan Lovett-Murray also expressed his disappointment with the outcome on social media saying, “what a bullsh*t decision. We will appeal it if we can, if not, no footy or coaching for myself…”
CAS overruled the not-guilty verdict handed down by the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal from March last year. The players cannot appeal the decision.
Patrick Ryder, originally from the East Fremantle club in Western Australia, was pick number 7 at the National Draft in 2005.
He played 170 games for the Bombers and kicked 117 goals.
The talented ruckman went to Port Adelaide last season and played 18 matches where he collected 18 goals.
The ban to the twelve Essendon players would open the door for other Indigenous players to cement a bigger role at the club.
Courtenay Dempsey may likely get more game time in the forward half line-up, while 21-year-old Shaun Edwards is expected to add to his 10 career games for the Bombers after joining the club in 2014.
Rookie, Jake Long son of Essendon club legend Michael, could get an opportunity to make his debut along with the other five rookies on their list.”
Courtenay Dempsey may see more game time at Essendon following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to ban 34 players. Source: AAP
Other Indigenous players from the 2012 season that will also have to stand down from their respective coaching and playing roles include retired pair, Nathan Lovett-Murray, who is the current coach of the Rumbalara Football Club in Victoria and Alwyn Davey with Woomelang Lascelles (MFL), Palmerston (NTFL), and Leroy Jetta who is with Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
