West Coast has released a statement in response to the explosive allegations made by former player Daniel Chick, that appeared in Thursday's Herald Sun.
Chick told the Herald Sun that powerful asthma pills, Xanax, Sudafed, Stilnox and Valium were among drugs provided through the Eagles, that were abused by several players. He said that the use of illicit drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy was widespread and not limited to just a few players.
"The West Coast Eagles are extremely disappointed by the content, timing and publication of some unsubstantiated claims by former player Daniel Chick in a Melbourne newspaper today," the statement read.
"The club was not contacted to provide any balance to the article and strongly refutes the allegations in that story.
"The club and its medical staff are deeply offended by these allegations and will discuss internally an appropriate course of action.
"When the club faced some challenges with its playing group a decade ago, it took steps to address those issues. It voluntarily undertook its own investigation, the AFL also initiated an independent investigation (by Victorian Supreme Court Judge Bill Gillard) and neither revealed the issues and allegations raised by Daniel in this story, all of which are strongly refuted.
"The club is now recognised as a leader in the area of player welfare and integrity in the country.
"Our current playing group and coaching staff will not be distracted as they embark on the challenge of winning the club’s fourth premiership at the MCG on Saturday.
"There will be no further comment on this matter."
