Talking Footy

In fact the result could have hardly been better.
Essendon have been found NOT to have been using banned substances (so far, but who's going to come forward now).
No premiership points have been docked.
All players are available for the final series.
They will be found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute because they tried to gain an unfair advantage by using
performance enhancing chemicals. Even though they are/were legal, once they were found to be of any benefit then obviously
they would have to banned. Quite clearly that is against the spirit of the game and a few tall timbers will be cut down.

So the "worst day in australian sporting history" has fizzed.
Maybe this is a sign for rl maybe not.
Somehow the situation in nrl land seems to be a bit different.

I hate to disagree with you, Cos, but August 26 is when what was possibly missing from the penalties may be handed down. IIRC the club is facing charges as a whole, as well as the named individuals. As the club as a whole is facing charges, the decision on the points is yet to be made. The players on the other hand are in the clear so there at least you're right.

Now the attention turns to Cronulla!

As I said, IMO the club is guilty of bringing the game into disrepute and there will be penalties.
The loss of staff is a penalty, but atm they will not lose points because they haven't done anything illegal.
But they are free to contest the premiership.
Realistically they have sufferred a penalty withn all the media pressure.
That surely wont count for anything. Essendon will be fined because that is the appropiate penalty for these charges.
Staff could be required to stand down and Essendon are silly for not taking up the sacrificial lamb.

My point is that nothing monumental has happenned and probably wont in the case of AFL.

The nrl is a different story, with many clubs involved, specific accusations being mounted and a hostile approach being taken by rl.
The nrl is yet to face the darkest day recriminations.