James Hird will return to coach Essendon next year, after a board meeting on Wednesday.
According to AFL.com.au, 'Hird's position had been in doubt after last Thursday night, when his wife Tania reignited claims AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou tipped off the Bombers about the supplements scandal.'
But club Chairman Paul Little confirmed Hird would be back at the Bombers in 2015.
"We as a board were extremely disappointed at the recent commentary aired [on] 7.30," he said.
"The board has sought assurances from James and Tania.
"Today the board determined that James Hird remain coach of the Essendon Football Club for the 2015 and 2016 seasons."
Hawk calls it quits
Exciting youngster Dayle Garlett quit Hawthorn on Tuesday night, with the club citing his struggle to cope with the demands of AFL football.
"Unfortunately this situation hasn't worked out as the club or Dayle would have hoped, and while we're disappointed we understand his decision," Hawks' Football Manager Chris Fagan said.
"Despite the club’s efforts over the past six months to help him adjust to an elite lifestyle, Dayle has found the regimented systems and standards of a professional club challenging.”
Garlett will aim to return to football, but conceded the commitment required at elite level was overwhelming.
"It has been tough to be away from my family and friends in a different environment and while I tried hard to stick to the disciplines of the club, it got a bit much for me in the end," he said.
WAFL club Swan Districts was quick to request to re-list their former star.
Judd’s achilles heel
Chris Judd is not expected to be back until Round 5, with the Carlton captain’s recovery delayed.
Following surgery on his achilles last month, Judd was originally pitted for a Round 3 return, but now faces an extra fortnight on the sidelines.
"I wouldn't call it a setback, but certainly (he has been) a little slower to recover than we would have liked," Blues’ Football Manager Andrew McKay said.
"So we've decided to take the pressure off Chris and just push that start date back to round five, just to give him a little bit more time to recover and certainly get fit before he makes an assault on the season."
Reid sidelined
Collingwood’s Ben Reid is set to miss up to three weeks with a calf injury.
The talented swingman sat out the season opener against Fremantle and was expected to return this week, but has since been ruled out.
"He hasn’t passed a couple of the hurdles he’s been asked to jump," Magpies’ coach Nathan Buckley said on Tuesday.
"To be conservative now, we think he’s going to be another two to three weeks."
