Dank won't front panel until decision handed down

Dank, the architect of Essendon's supplements program, told Fairfax Media it was extremely unlikely he would attend a December 15 AFL tribunal where 34 past and present Essendon players will respond to infraction notices.

"I want it delayed to January when the Hird decision is handed down," he said in reference to the Essendon coach's appeal against a Federal Court decision that a combined ASADA/AFL investigation was lawful.

However, even then, an appearance by Dank before the AFL tribunal in response to the service of an infraction notice against him could not be guaranteed.

"I will not be dictated to or bullied by the AFL," he said, furious at a recent trend where he claimed sports bodies were trampling over the rights of individuals.

He quoted recent record suspensions and fines in the NRL to support his view that punishment by sporting bodies was grossly disproportionate to sanctions handed down by the judiciary to the wider community.

Should the Full Federal Court rule against Hird, Dank hinted he may by-pass the AFL tribunal and commence legal action in the same jurisdiction.

Dank, who now speaks fluent legalese, said, "My entire legal team are reviewing all avenues appropriate to the case".

He also said his lawyers were poised to launch defamation action against the AFL who have yet  to ban him, while the NRL says it will refuse to accredit him.

"My barristers are looking at all relevant avenues with regards to the NRL and the accreditation issue," he said.

"They are also looking at the defamation and damages processes against the AFL associated with that matter.

"They have taken counsel in relation to the way the AFL has conducted this investigation and are now in the process of formulating appropriate action."

He said of his team of four barristers and two solicitors, "They will, in due course, advise the AFL when this legal action will begin."