SFFC statement – Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling

The South Fremantle Football Club is disappointed to learn of today’s finding by the Court of Arbitration for our sport, suspending 34 past and present Essendon players for 12 months, which includes Cory Dell’Olio.

Dell’Olio played 16 games with Essendon between 2012-14 before returning to South Fremantle in 2015 where he played 16 matches and kicked 33 goals along with a starring role in WA’s state match victory over South Australia.

The 26-year-old was gearing up to be a key part of the Bulldogs’ 2016 season to add to his 74-game, 142-goal WAFL career.

However, he along with the other 33 current and former Essendon AFL players have been suspended for the entire 2016 season.

South Fremantle CEO Stuart Kemp was disappointed to learn of the suspension of one of the club’s best and most experienced players, but looks forward to his return for the 2017 WAFL season.

“We are extremely disappointed with today’s outcome and in particular we are devastated for Cory who has been through so much already.  We are still awaiting final confirmation from the AFL through the WAFL” Kemp said.

“This has been a long, drawn out process for him and we are unhappy that it has ended with such a significant suspension. Paramount is to support Cory during this difficult time.

“We are very proud as to how Cory has handled this whole process and as a club we will stand by him all the way.”