James Hird has lost his appeal in the Federal Court, as judges have ruled that the investigation into Essendon’s supplements program was lawful.
The Essendon coach broke ranks with his club last year when he appealed against Justice John Middleton’s ruling that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority into the Bombers’ supplements program of 2011-12 was lawful.
Hird and Essendon had argued that ASADA had illegally entered into a joint investigation with the AFL, by using the league’s coercive powers to ensure Hird, Bombers support staff and players gave evidence.
On Friday, Justice Susan Kenny said she and her colleagues, Justices Richard White and Anthony Besanko, had dismissed Hird’s appeal.
Hird was not in court to hear the ruling.
