ESSENDON coach James Hird says he does not believe Jobe Watson's Browlow Medal is "in serious doubt" of being revoked after the Bomber skipper's revelation that he took a banned drug last season.
"With the facts I have, I don't believe it's in doubt," Hird told media at Windy Hill on Wednesday morning.
He admitted he had been surprised by Monday's TV interview in which Watson acknowledged taking anti-obesity drug AOD-9604, but said he was not disappointed in his captain, describing him as "his own man".
"I am never disappointed in Jobe Watson," he said, adding that he had not spoken to the captain about why he had made his public comments.
"Jobe Watson is a man of the highest integrity,highest character and a great person for our footy club."
I took banned drug: Watson"It was an interesting decision for Jobe to do that, but I don't think that he has said anything there last night that he hasn't already told the ASADA and the AFL investigators,'' Evans told 6PR radio in Perth on Tuesday night.
Hird also revealed he had now warned all Essendon players about making public comments about the ongoing ASADA/AFL inquiry.
Skipper can play against Eagles
Hird described the issue as "very complicated" and said he wanted the investigation to be wrapped up so the club could speak openly.
"I have no concern for Jobe. We have confidence in the process we are going through.
"We all want to talk, but we respect the process."
How Dons might argue their case
Hird also expressed his support for club doctor Bruce Reid, who was implicated by Watson in the administering of the drug.
"Bruce Reid's worked at this footy cluband this industry for 32 years, and has guided this club as the doctor inimpeccable fashion and will continue to do so.
"Once we can talk about it, I thinkBruce will be one of the first to get out and speak his mind."
Hird said no players had expressed concern about the club's medical staff, and he insisted that players had not derived any unfair advantage in 2012 from the controversial supplements program.
Barrett: Do you have sympathy for Jobe?
Players appeared on track for a lighttraining session after Hird's news conference.
The team will fly out for Perth on Wednesdayafternoon for Thursday night's important clash with West Coast.
