ESSENDON'S hopes of emerging unscathed after its players allegedly used banned drug AOD-9604 have been shot down.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority last night maintained the substance was prohibited under any circumstances.

As recently as Wednesday, the club said it was privy to "facts" it believed would clear players of doping breaches.

DANK THE ONE WHO SHOULD BE BOOED

The Herald Sun understands its confidence stems from a briefing by a senior ASADA investigator earlier this year on the status of AOD-9604. Asked about the alleged briefing yesterday, ASADA said: "ASADA is unable to discuss an ongoing investigation or operational matters associated with an investigation until such time as its legislation permits."

AOD-9604 is banned under section S. 0 of the World Anti-Doping Prohibited List because it has not been passed fit for human consumption.

COLLESS QUERY ON DRUG INQUIRY

bombers skipper Jobe Watson sensationally confessed to the use of AOD-9604 on Monday night.

The drug is not banned under section S. 2 of the WADA code because its performance-enhancing benefits are in question - a key plank of Essendon's defence.

WADA can ban substances under section S. 0 if they are a potential health risk to the athlete or if their use or method violates the spirit of sport.

"ASADA's primary role is to apply the World Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List in Australia," an ASADA spokesman said yesterday.

"Since 2011, AOD-9604 has come under section S. 0 of the World Anti-Doping Prohibited List."

Player consent forms seen by the Herald Sun show some Essendon players were prescribed weekly injections of AOD-9604 during the 2012 season by Essendon's former sports scientist Stephen Dank.