Essendon Bombers out of 2013 AFL finals as James Hird accepts 12-month suspension

Essendon will not play in the 2013 finals and coach James Hird will be suspended for 12 months over the club’s controversial supplements program.

The AFL has also fined the Bombers $2 million and stripped the club of its first two draft picks for the 2013 draft, and its second-round pick in 2014.

Essendon football manager Danny Corcoran received a ban of six months, with two months suspended, while assistant coach Mark Thompson has been fined $30,000.

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said club doctor Bruce Reid was contesting the charge of bringing the game into disrepute.

Fitzpatrick said Hird’s suspension would be backdated to August 25 and he would not be able to work at any AFL club during the next 12 months.

However, the Bombers announced immediately that the club would welcome Hird back as the club’s senior coach when his suspension is complete.

Fitzpatrick said the Bombers, who are seventh in the AFL premiership, will officially finish ninth for the season.

“The club will forfeit its place in the 2013 AFL finals series,” he said.

“It will not play in the 2013 finals series, being deemed to have finished the 2013 premiership season in ninth position.

“The club is prohibited from exercising at the 2013 and 2014 national drafts its round one and round two selections.

“The Essendon football club in 2014 will be granted a selection at the end of round one at the national draft prior to any compensation selections otherwise awarded and under the rules.”