Bombers’ boundless experiment

At least six drugs on the list are banned for use by athletes

ESSENDON players could be grilled on more than 35 drugs and supplements in footy’s doping probe.

A document seen by the Herald Sun provides an insight into the ‘‘pharmacological experiment’’ conducted at Windy Hill last year.

The document lists substances that have been linked by authorities to Essendon and its former sports scientist Stephen Dank.

It does not say what drugs were administered to which players, if at all.

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators are questioning Bombers players about injections, creams, potions, pills, shakes and powders that may have been taken last year.

At least six drugs on the list – including GHRP-2, GHRP-6, CJC1295, AOD-9604, Humanofort and Hexarelin – are banned for use by athletes. Others are not approved for human consumption.

Some player interviews are taking more than three hours as ASADA and the AFL seek to determine whether players took substances in breach of the world anti-doping code.

The probe took a toll on some players in the lead-up to the Bombers’ shock loss to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

‘‘It is draining but that’s the reality of it,’’ Essendon midfielder Jake Melksham said yesterday.

The interviews will continue for the next two weeks.

It is known that some players refused injections and took a minimal role in the program.

Others were given large quantities of numerous substances.

Coaches and club staff also have been accused of using supplements, some of which are banned for use by athletes.

An internal review into Essendon’s 2012 practices by businessman Ziggy Switkowski declared the club had allowed a new weights regimen to mushroom into a program of ‘‘exotic supplements’’ and frequent injections at off-site facilities.

‘‘This combined to create a picture of a pharmacologically experimental environment never adequately controlled or challenged or documented,’’ Switkowski said.

The AFL Players’ Association is conducting its own investigation into the long-term health effects of some of substances used.

Essendon is conducting another audit and will share its findings with the players’ union.

AFLPA chief Matt Finnis has slammed Essendon for compromising the health of its players.

All players involved in the Essendon program will be encouraged to speak to a medical expert about their use of supplements at the conclusion of the ASADA investigation.

AFLPA counsellors have also been offered to players.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou last week confirmed the imminent introduction of a standard code of supplements use for all clubs.