Don't rush investigation: Sheedy
GREATER Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy says he is happy to wait a year or more for the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to complete its investigation, as long as it is done properly.
ASADA announced its investigation into doping in sport in February, but Essendon players will be interviewed for the first time next week to answer questions about the club's 2012 supplements program.
Sheedy, who fronted the media alongside federal sports minister Kate Lundy on Friday, said the investigation's timeframe should not be a primary concern.
"I don't have a problem with the time as long as it's done correctly," said Sheedy, whose Giants take on Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"If it takes a year or more, then let it take a year or more.
"Let's get it on the table, get it cleaned up, get it in the rubbish bin and start afresh. I'm really looking forward to that to be honest.
"We really don't want to really go through what happened with the Tour de France. We don't want to let that happen. I think we can all learn from that."
Questioned about the ASADA timeframe, Senator Lundy said it was in the interest of all stakeholders and the wish of the public for the investigation to conclude as soon as possible.
"That is reliant upon the fullest possible cooperation of all parties involved," she said.
"I think it's important to understand that ASADA has processes to go through.
"Those processes do respect the role and rights of athletes and all stakeholders concerned.
"They are an independent authority … and the integrity of their investigation is utmost."
Lundy said the current investigations into Australian sport represented a chance to give parents and clean athletes the confidence they were competing on a fair playing ground.
"That's the most important thing, and that's certainly my goal in supporting and encouraging these investigations," she said.
"By getting on the front foot, responding to these problems facing Australian sport, we continue to lead in this regard.
"The responsibility I have as a minister is to do what I can to uphold the integrity of Australian sport, and fortunately we have leaders in Australian sport who are prepared to stand beside me and work for the same goal."
Senator Lundy and Sheedy were joined by representatives of Cbus to promote the Building Australia Tribute Match between the Giants and Western Bulldogs on July 6.
While Sheedy spruiked the match, he said his assistant coaches were elsewhere working on some tactics that were "a little bit different " in an effort to upset the undefeated Bombers on Saturday.