Statement from Mr David Jones - Chairman of the AFL Anti Doping Tribunal:

The Australian Football League Anti-Doping Tribunal met this evening to consider matters relating to proposed hearings in the cases of past and present Essendon Football Club players and a former employee of the Essendon FC who have been issued with Infraction Notices.

The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal panel for these cases consists of Chairman Mr David Jones, a former County Court Judge, Mr John Nixon, a former County Court Judge with extensive experience in sports tribunals, and Mr Wayne Henwood, a barrister and former VFL player.

The Tribunal considered a number of matters and heard submissions from representatives of the various parties and a representative of several media organisations.

It will give consideration to submissions on whether or not any hearing/s will be held in-camera or be open to media; the Tribunal will provide reasons for its decision in due course.

The Tribunal also heard submissions on the proposed conduct of the hearing/s and has encouraged the parties to continue to work together to narrow the scope of potential issues.

The Tribunal will meet again on 8 December 2014 to finalise procedural matters.

A hearing date has been tentatively set for 15 December 2014.