Essendon Football Club senior coach James Hird has made the following statement:

These claims are horrifying to me, and are being made by a person or people who appear determined to destroy my reputation. 

I have at all times fully adhered to, and promoted the WADA code and the AFL rules, and the code of ethics of the Essendon Football Club. I would never do anything to put the players of the Essendon Football Club or the club at risk.  As I said in February, I am shocked our club is facing this situation.

I will make no further comment at this stage as I am committed to assisting the ASADA and AFL investigation.