A breakdown in reporting protocol highlighted in early team investigations.
Melbourne Demons head doctor Dan Bates has stepped aside from his his position in the wake of allegations connecting the club and controversial sports scientist Stephan Dank.
The club accepted Bates’ offer to stand down from his position while the Australian Sport Anti-Doping Authority and the AFL examine claims that Dank was involved with the club’s pre-season supplements program.
Previously Melbourne said Dank did not treat any of its player but did admit there had been contact between Bates and Dank regarding players’ health.
Melbourne president Don McLardy said the decision for Bates to stand aside was agreed upon mutually.
“We have sufficient concerns about an identified breakdown in reporting protocols that we believe it is appropriate that Dr Bates stands aside until these matters are further investigated,” McLardy said.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said they would be asking for more information to ascertain how much of a connection the Demons have to Dank.
“As of this morning we will be calling in the doctor, the Melbourne Football Club doctor, together with any other relevant officials based on things we’d been told previously,” Demetriou said.
“There appears to be some inconsistencies.
“If there was an association, regardless of whether there has been an employment agreement, I think that would have been relevant to our briefings.”
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