The Essendon players in the line of fire for supplements use are in differing mental states, with some coping better than others.
Around 20 current Bombers players were issued with show-cause notices by the anti-doping authority last week, relating to use of Thymosin-beta 4 at the AFL club in 2012.
The dramatic escalation of the 16-month investigation has clearly had an impact on players, with unaffected Bomber Brendon Goddard telling The Footy Show on Thursday night ASADA’s handling of the matter has been insulting.
On Friday, Essendon coach Mark Thompson painted a concerning picture of changing moods amongst his group.
“It’s an individual thing and some are coping better than others,” Thompson said.
“You go through all different phases, it’s like grieving.
“In the end you just don’t want to become mentally exhausted out of the whole process which is our danger.
“At times you get angry … you want to fight, you want to vent.
“Some guys have been there and come out of it and some players might still be in there.”
Saying this past week had been “a touch” harder to prepare than other rounds, Thompson suggested players dealing with their notices saw their match-day as a release.
“Football is the good part of the week, the game,” he said.
He said players were monitored by the club and were looked after as best they can.
“I’m not qualified to do it (but) you know your people,” he said.
“If you see anything that’s different you go and address it. But it’s hard for men to open up isn’t it.”
But Thompson said any mental issues had not forced the club to alter any planned selections, “and hopefully we don’t have to”.