WAFL clubs relieved by Essendon verdict
Three former Bombers embroiled in the Essendon supplements saga will return through the WAFL this week in an outcome said to be a massive relief for the WA trio.
East Perth co-captain Brendan Lee, South Fremantle forward Cory Dell'Olio and Peel Thunder's Leroy Jetta will line up for their WAFL clubs on either Good Friday or Saturday after the AFL anti-doping tribunal yesterday delivered not-guilty verdicts for 34 past and present Essendon players.
The trio chose to serve a provisional suspension on advice from the AFL Players Association by sitting out the first two rounds of the State league season, including pre-season games, while the supplements scandal verdict was pending.
The WAFL clubs confirmed Lee, Dell'Olio and Jetta were all available for selection after yesterday's verdict, which ruled them not guilty of using banned peptide thymosin beta-4 while playing for Essendon in 2012.
Jetta signed with Peel in November after Essendon delisted him at the end of last season.
Peel president John Ditchburn said the two-year wait for a resolution would have been a weight hanging on the shoulders of all those affected. "It's fantastic news for Leroy," Mr Ditchburn said.
"We've provided him with a place to play, but I think there'll be great relief for those players. It's just good that he can get on with playing footy. Even with that (the supplements saga) over his head, his leadership and communication and taking direction at training has been outstanding."
Dell'Olio and Jetta both flew to Melbourne to be with former teammates to hear yesterday's decision after accepting an open invitation from Essendon.
The club is understood to have paid for flights and accommodation for involved players who had left Essendon since 2012 so they could learn the tribunal ruling in person. Lee chose to stay in Perth.
East Perth chief executive Dean Turner said Lee had never allowed scrutiny over the Essendon supplements program to affect his performances for the Royals.
"I think he's always felt he's done the right thing and this is the right decision," Mr Turner said.
South Fremantle chief executive Stuart Kemp predicted Dell'Olio would be excited at finally being able to return in the WAFL.
"All Cory wanted to be able to do was play some football," Mr Kemp said.
