ANDREW Demetriou fully expects to sit on the AFL Commission meeting next Monday, despite the James Hird writ that has asked him to step aside from that role.

The AFL chief confirmed the Commission meeting was to go ahead next week, even if Essendon's leaders and charged officials do not turn up.





Demetriou told ABC Radio on Friday morning that he plans to be there.

"The Commission, which I'm on, is intending to hear these matters," Demetriou said.

"At this point in time there's no indication as to why I wouldn't [sit in on the hearing]."

When asked about the potential of Essendon not playing finals, once/if the penalties were decided, Demetriou was quick to shy away from any comment.

"It's about the absolute clarity and preciseness that our Commission has maintained, as am I, that there's no predetermination of this matter," Demetriou said.

"We go in to this with an open mind and we invite Essendon, and the four individuals who have been charged, to present their case as they're entitled to do.

"Any commentary or otherwise would infer we have a predetermination."

Demetriou has been away in Sydney, and as such, says he has not had the chance to discuss the writ against him with his legal counsel.





The AFL boss maintains he did not tip off Essendon about the ACC report – despite claims in Hird's writ to the contrary.

"You know my point very clearly on this," he said.

"It was impossible to tell Essendon anything when I was not privy to the information – that is very clear."