‘Crossed the line’: Bombers players upset by reported club meeting about illicit drug use

Essendon players raised concerns with the players’ union after a testy meeting about illicit drugs involving the playing group and club higher-ups.

Nine’s Tom Morris reports Bombers players felt CEO Craig Vozzo crossed the line with the way he spoke about player drug use and potentially breached player confidentiality.

Positive drug tests by players are kept hidden under the current AFL illicit drug policy.

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“This stems from a meeting at the club in late June before the team’s bye round,” Morris said on Nine News.

“On the agenda, illicit drug use. Leading the meeting was CEO Craig Vozzo, alongside coach Brad Scott and football boss Dan McPherson.

“Vosso claims the intention of the discussion was simply centred on care, support, welfare and also education before the players went on leave; however, the tone of the meeting clearly backfired.

“Some players felt Vozzo crossed the line, breaching boundaries regarding drug use and players’ confidentiality.

“Players were so affronted that they took their concerns to the union, the AFLPA, saying Vozzo was heavy-handed and that he’d implied there was a drug problem within the group.

“Their view was that at least one of Vozzo, Scott or McPherson should’ve raised the contents of the meeting with the leaders before taking it to the wider group.

“It’s understood that the AFLPA then contacted Vozzo directly to discuss the drug code and to educate him on the best way to have these conversations with players.

“Vozzo accepted the feedback.”

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