AFL: Essendon probe may take months - boss

Andrew Demetriou dismissed the suggestion that adverse findings would result in Essendon being docked points or deprived of a finals spot. Photo / Getty Images

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says it could be two to three months before ASADA's investigation into Essendon is concluded, but has knocked on the head any suggestion they could lose points this season.

Despite the cloud hanging over them, the Bombers have made a flying start to the new season with 35- and 148-point wins over Adelaide and Melbourne respectively.

Demetriou dismissed the suggestion that adverse findings would result in Essendon being docked points or deprived of a finals spot.

"There's no suggestion at all that Essendon in 2013 are involved in any use of anything that is being investigated, so they are fine," Demetriou said. "You wouldn't really expect that Melbourne would try to claim a win after the weekend would you?"

Demetriou doubted there would be any revelations before mid-year.

"The Essendon football club came forward to ask for the investigation, they are fully aware of the timelines and we are not expecting anything to eventuate for two to three months," Demetriou said.

"The club is going about it the right way, the chairman is leading the way, they are performing on the field.

"If it takes two months, it takes two months.

"We've already put our measures in place to enhance our policy and enhance the integrity of the code with some sweeping changes.

"I'm currently visiting every club, players included, to make sure they understand the importance of this issue."

Demetriou mentioned a number of factors that were contributing to the time the investigation was taking.

"There are a number of players and officials to be interviewed and probably reinterviewed, that takes time," Demetriou said.

"There's also issues around particular substances that have to be analysed, that takes time.

"We could be talking about July, August before any findings and if that's the case, that's the case.

"The Essendon football club is conducting its own internal investigation about the governance and the processes," he said.

-AAP