Essendon Football Club chief executive Peter Jackson had the following comments to make with regards recent discussions the club has held with the AFL.""Essendon Football Club has held discussions with the AFL with regards the internet rights it purchased from Matthew Lloyd and James Hird. This issue is in the process of being resolved but we are very comfortable that these were legitimate agreements between club and player,"" Jackson said.

""The club however has been most disappointed at the mischievous rumours circulating recently regarding other senior players at the club and alleged undisclosed payments made to them. We emphatically deny these rumours - they are completely without foundation.

""I am angered that the character of the staff responsible for overseeing the contracts of players at this club is continually being questioned because of unsubstantiated rumour.""

""We will be officially requesting the AFL come and do a full audit of the club as soon as possible so we can put this continued rumour and innuendo to rest.""