Former Essendon teammates Jobe Watson and Sam Lonergan in and out of news

AdLocal SportLocal FootyLocal SportLocal FootyNews HomeGood afternoon, Your ContentNewslettersMy saved ListAccount & SupportMy AccountContact UsHelp CenterLogoutNewsSportCommunityTributes &

FuneralsClassifiedsExplore TravelEntertainmentLifestyleRecommendedQuick LinksToday’s PaperDownload our appInteractive PuzzlesViewJobsNetworkVideoView real estatePress Releases from

AAPContact usHelp CentrePrivacy PolicyAbout usView Subscription OffersThe Examiner's complete view of propertyHome/Local Sport/Local FootyFormer Essendon teammates Jobe Watson and Sam

Lonergan in and out of newsSeptember 26 2016 - 10:00pmSeptember 26 2016 - 10:00pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyQ and A: Jobe Watson speaks to the media about his AFL playing future during

a press conference in Melbourne last week. Picture: Getty Images Few sporting bodies do double standards quite as well as the AFL.

Subscribe now for unlimited access. Login or signup to continue reading

50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue Launceston Football Club

held a press conference on Monday to announce that Sam Lonergan will be reappointed as head coach when he has served his suspension for being involved in the Essendon supplements scandal.

Lonergan was not at the press conference because he’s not allowed to be. As part of the suspension, players cannot be used for media, marketing or promotional activities until November 14.

Fair enough and credit to both Launceston FC and Lonergan for toeing the line.

However, the press conference came three days after another in Melbourne where Jobe Watson spoke at length about his situation.

Wearing a baseball cap proclaiming himself to be a “Feminist”, Watson joked about a failed career as a New York barista and posted poorly-spelt Tweets of getting his boots back from his dog.

"I'm really excited to be back at the Essendon Football Club and I'm ready to play," Watson told a media pack of Parliamentary proportions.

And yet Lonergan appears not allowed to say: “I'm really excited to be back at the Launceston Football Club and I'm ready to play.”

Blues president Paul O’Donoghue said every time the club wish to communicate with their coach they have to inform the AFL to ask for permission.

But Watson can stage open-slather press conferences while another former Bomber Dyson Heppell hops between Channel Nine’s Footy Show and Fox Sports’ AFL 360 to air his thoughts on the saga.

Then there’s the AFL’s reluctance to accept the facts of the case.

Wikipedia’s list of Brownlow Medallists contains an asterisk next to Watson’s win in 2012 and the note: “On 12 January 2016, Watson was found guilty of doping offences committed during the

2012 season.”

The list of Brownlow Medallists on the AFL’s website contains no such asterisk.

When the Court of Arbitration for Sport imposed season-long bans on the Essendon 34, the AFL announced it would delay its review of Watson’s win until after their appeals were heard by the 

Swiss Federal Supreme Court.

But no mention of this is made at www.afl.com.au/brownlow/history.

Famously, Corey McKernan and Chris Grant were denied Brownlow Medals in 1996 and ’97 respectively for playing misdemeanours.

But Watson retains his despite being found guilty of taking banned substances.

As the AFL crowns its 2016 Brownlow Medallist, the 1996, 1997 and 2012 results stand testament to its message that drug-taking is not as serious as rough conduct.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMore from AFLDemons roll dice with Pickett's seven-year dealJoanna Guelas and Anna HarringtonCollingwood star makes big call on AFL futureAnna

HarringtonGiants wait and see on sore skipper for Lions rematchJoanna GuelasDemons roll dice with Pickett's seven-year dealJoanna Guelas and Anna HarringtonCollingwood star makes big call on

AFL futureAnna HarringtonGiants wait and see on sore skipper for Lions rematchJoanna GuelasAshcroft's approach to overcoming Lions' late wobblesMurray WenzelNewsletters & AlertsView all

Daily

Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.

Loading... Weekdays

The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.

Loading... Weekdays

The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyNote from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters.

Loading... Weekly

Subscriber OnlyFootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered.

Loading... Weekly

Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis.

Loading... Weekly

Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe.

Loading... Weekdays

The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.

Loading... Twice weekly

The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.

Loading... Twice weekly

Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over.

Loading... As it happens

Subscriber OnlySpecial Reports Get the very best journalism from The Examiner by signing up to our special reports.

Loading... Weekly

Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner.

Loading... As it happens

Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyToday's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am!

Loading... Daily

Subscriber OnlyYour favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!

Loading... Advertisement

Ad Advertisement

AdAustralian Community MediaACM WebsiteConditions of UsePrivacyTerms and Conditions - Digital SubscriptionTerms and Conditions - Newspaper SubscriptionThe ExaminerContactAbout UsWorking With

UsToday's PaperCommenting GuidelinesView Property EditionHelp CentreOur SitesViewExploreView InsuranceBeevoPlace an AdClassifiedsCarsTributes & FuneralsCelebrationsPromo

CodesAgTraderMeHelpFarmer's FinanceGarage SalesSubmitSend a letter to the EditorSend Us Your News