AFL boss Andrew Demetriou hopes moves by ASADA to issue legal papers to Stephen Dank will help bring an end to footy’s drugs saga.

Dank has been issued with a show-cause letter in relation to the supplements program at Essendon in 2012.

The sports scientist confirmed he had been served notice by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

The Herald Sun understands the possible infractions Dank has been asked to explain relate only to Essendon and not to his time at the Cronulla Sharks in 2011.

Demetriou said he wasn’t surprised by ASADA’s move.

“It’s long overdue,” he said on 3AW.

“It’s disappointing it’s happening on the eve of the season, I would have preferred it being sent earlier but it is what it is and it’s not a surprise.

“We’ve welcomed the appointment of Federal Court judge Garry Downes, his role is to expedite the process and bring finality to this issue and his timetable is the end of April and it would appear he’s working towards that and I think that’s good for everybody.”

Demetriou said the issue would be having an impact on Bombers players.

“It would be almost impossible to make yourself immune to what’s going on around you, of course it would have some effect.”

The AFL boss described Dank’s appearance at a fundraising lunch next Friday — the day Essendon begins its season against North Melbourne — as “tacky”.

“Given that he’s been asked on countless occasions to appear and front inquiries and so forth, for him to appear at a sportsman’s luncheon speaks more about him than anyone else,” Demetriou said.

News_Rich_Media: Young Essendon star Dyson Heppell isn't concerned for his future health, despite being named as one of 12 players in the ASADA report into Essendon's 2012 supplement program.

Dank said last night he would not “respond or react” to the show-cause notice.

Instead, he said he had instructed his legal team to take the fight to ASADA in court.

“We will also write to the attorney general and ask for an explanation about how this information — and information about four Cronulla players — has been leaked,” Dank said.

ASADA opted not to interview Dank as part of its investigations into Essendon and the NRL.

He has consistently maintained his innocence.

An ASADA spokesperson said: “ASADA is unable to discuss an ongoing investigation or operational matters associated with an investigation until such time as its legislation permits”.