ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

The fallout from the ASADA doping scandal is continuing to decimate the AFL as Essendon Football Club faces further sanctions and punishment for their part in the controversy.

This morning local time, Gillon McLachlan, the CEO of the Australian Football League, made the announcement that the Essendon Bomber will not be competing in this year’s competition – however, the players could still take part under the AFL’s own flag.

For the 2018 season, the team will be known as ‘Footballers Of Essendon’.

That’s bullshit, according to the club’s CEO, Lindsay Tanner.

“Why are they [the AFL] doing this?” he told our reporter.

Our reporter shrugged.

“If you can’t tell me, nobody can. That’s about the skinny of it. I will shirtfront the next tieless fuck head from the AFL that walks through the door of my club,” he said.

“Footballers of Essendon. What a crock of shit.”

Equally as annoyed at the AFL’s decision was a local fan of the team.

After a serious head injury, Michael Sanders, of Warners Road in North Betoota, became obsessed with the Essendon Bombers and filled his rumpus room with memorabilia and club merchandise.

He spoke to The Advocate about the AFL’s decision.

“It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to scream into a pillow,” he said.

“But at the same time, I think it’s nice they’re still letting them play. Even if they’re juiced into next Tuesday. I’m still excited for this season regardless.”

More to come.