Only the Essendon players and those closest to them can fully understand an unprecedented moment in football history
A not gulity verdict delivered by the AFL's anti-doping tribunal is a bittersweet victory for the '34 players' caught up in Essendon Football Club's supplements saga.
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The emotional toll the long-running investigation, court battles and ongoing uncertainty about playing and coaching futures is etched on the faces of central characters such as coach James Hird, pictured, chairman Paul Little, and captain Jobe Watson.
Only the Essendon players caught up in the saga and those closest to them can fully understand what was an unprecedented moment in football history.
A dark cloud hovered above Essendon Football Club and the AFL for the past two seasons.
It was move, counter-move and more.
For many Essendon fans, such as this author, the tribunal's call did not trigger joy or excitement.
It's more about relief that the players have been cleared of any wrongdoing.
They have spent two seasons and the build-up to another caught in limbo.
The ball is now back with ASADA and WADA as it weighs up appealing against the anti-doping tribunal's decision.