Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich took the opportunity ahead of the captains' media call as part of the AFL season launch on Wednesday to issue a strongly worded statement on behalf of the captains and all AFL players.
"It is the view of the captains of all 18 AFL clubs that the decision to name and publish photos of current and former Essendon Football Club players in the press on Sunday falls short of the standards of respect and decency that we hope would characterise the relationship between players and the media," Pavlich said.
"As leaders of the playing group, we think it's appropriate to stand up, and lend our voice and influence, in condemning the mistreatment of vulnerable players. That's our responsibility.
"Regardless of what you think about what happened at Essendon Football Club in 2012, there is no doubt these players are in an unenviable and vulnerable position."
"Regardless of what you think about what happened at Essendon Football Club in 2012, there is no doubt these players are in an unenviable and vulnerable position."
Dons outraged
Pavlich said the players were aware that they were public figures and therefore the subject of great scrutiny by the media, which he said played a critically important role in the game.
"But, just as we are accountable for everything we do on and off the field, we think it's important to point out conduct which we think falls short when we see it.
"But, just as we are accountable for everything we do on and off the field, we think it's important to point out conduct which we think falls short when we see it.
"So, without labouring the point, taking any further unnecessary action or holding grudges, let's all take stock, reflect on how we would like to be treated both individually and collectively, and work together to continue to showcase the game, its players and its stories in a fair and respectable manner."
Pavlich later explained that there was a feeling among the players and the AFLPA that it was time to take stock and for the industry to examine how it went about its business.
Pavlich later explained that there was a feeling among the players and the AFLPA that it was time to take stock and for the industry to examine how it went about its business.
Little 'sickened' by article
"We have a strong voice and we want to lend some influence on the topic," he said.
He said he was sure the subject would be raised later on Wednesday when the players met with the AFL Commission, but added there were other "big ticket" items to discuss including equalisation.
Swans defender and former Bomber Ted Richards also had his say on Twitter:
"We have a strong voice and we want to lend some influence on the topic," he said.
He said he was sure the subject would be raised later on Wednesday when the players met with the AFL Commission, but added there were other "big ticket" items to discuss including equalisation.
Essendon captain Jobe Watson confirmed the players could take legal action over the News Corporation report.
"We'll seek the advice of the players association on that," he said.
Players wanted "a good relationship with the media ... we want you guys to cover the game.
"In particular, what occurred in the Herald Sun on Sunday was disappointing for the players.
"For an ongoing investigation, for them to pre-empt by naming and showing photographs of players, for a Commonwealth investigation, that was very disappointing.
"It was an unnecessary element."
Watson said the shadow of the ASADA inquiry had been "an incredibly difficult situation for a long period of time".
The AFLPA's view
Swans defender and former Bomber Ted Richards also had his say on Twitter:
@AFL I totally concur with what @mattpav29 said today about the naming of Essendon players. It lacked respect and decency.
— Ted Richards (@tedrichards25) March 5, 2014
The full statement read by Matthew Pavlich at AFL captains' day in Adelaide:
"As leaders of the playing group, we think it's appropriate to stand up, and lend our voice and influence, in condemning the mistreatment of vulnerable players. That's our responsibility.
It is the view of the captains of all 18 AFL clubs that the decision to name and publish photos of current and former Essendon Football Club players in the press on Sunday falls short of the standards of respect and decency that we hope would characterise the relationship between players and the media.
Regardless of what you think about what happened at Essendon Football Club in 2012, there is no doubt these players are in an unenviable and vulnerable position.
The captains of all 18 AFL clubs believe it's essential for players and media to maintain healthy working relationships with one another, and respect professional boundaries.
As Andrew Demetriou said on Monday, we're fortunate the game is so well covered by the Australian media.
But, just as we [the players] are accountable for everything we do on and off the field, we think it's important to point out conduct which we think falls short when we see it.
So, without labouring the point, taking any further unnecessary action or holding grudges, let's all take stock, reflect on how we would like to be treated both individually and collectively, and work together to continue to showcase the game, its players and its stories in a fair and respectable manner."
"As leaders of the playing group, we think it's appropriate to stand up, and lend our voice and influence, in condemning the mistreatment of vulnerable players. That's our responsibility.
It is the view of the captains of all 18 AFL clubs that the decision to name and publish photos of current and former Essendon Football Club players in the press on Sunday falls short of the standards of respect and decency that we hope would characterise the relationship between players and the media.
Regardless of what you think about what happened at Essendon Football Club in 2012, there is no doubt these players are in an unenviable and vulnerable position.
The captains of all 18 AFL clubs believe it's essential for players and media to maintain healthy working relationships with one another, and respect professional boundaries.
As Andrew Demetriou said on Monday, we're fortunate the game is so well covered by the Australian media.
But, just as we [the players] are accountable for everything we do on and off the field, we think it's important to point out conduct which we think falls short when we see it.
So, without labouring the point, taking any further unnecessary action or holding grudges, let's all take stock, reflect on how we would like to be treated both individually and collectively, and work together to continue to showcase the game, its players and its stories in a fair and respectable manner."
