The timing of Chick's allegations by News Ltd, many of which were being privately denied by the Eagles on Thursday, has clearly dismayed the club and the AFL, neither of whom knew the story was coming.

Chick, a 2006 premiership player with the Eagles, revealed that the use of cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, Xanax, Valium and prednisone, which is used to treat asthma, was commonplace at the club 10 years ago. He said he would consume large doses of one drug on game day with other stimulants - a combination that had the ability to make a person feel "bulletproof", according to leading sports medico Dr Peter Larkins.

That Chick would provide such a distraction for Eagles players during grand final week cannot be swept aside despite his allegations. The West Coast Eagles say they are "extremely disappointed" and the club is now recognised as a leader in the area of player welfare and integrity in the country. Issues arising from "challenges" at the club had been addressed and the club would not be distracted ahead of today.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said they would investigate, but commended the Eagles on turning the club culture around. – The Age.