When it's all said and done, the bickering over how James Hird gets his money out of Essendon is largely irrelevent. The potential for infraction notices is still the main game.

The arguments between the Hird camp and the AFL over whether the investigation into the Essendon supplements scandal has been compromised, and whether the processes and tactics employed by the league and its chief executive were fair to the Essendon hierarchy are intruiging, but pale compared to the reality of what happened at Essendon last year.

James and Tania Hird leave AFL House. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

ASADA is close to completing its investigation into the NRL's Cronulla Sharks, with veteran Sydney Morning Herald journalist Roy Masters suggesting suspensions will be announced in February. Masters also reported on Wednesday that ''ASADA has enough evidence on Essendon now to decide to issue infraction notices and is merely waiting to see if there is any cross-fertilisation with evidence from the NRL inquiry''.

Cross-fertilisation would appear to involve Stephen Dank, the former biochemist involved in the contentious supplements programs at each club. Dank has publicly maintained he won't submit to ASADA's new powers compelling him to be interviewed, but it is believed his stand may be softening. It would come as no surprise if Dank and ASADA met early in the new year.