Jon Pierik from The Age writes: The father of former coach, James Hird has joined the fight for Jobe Watson to retain his Brownlow Medal: "I am dismayed and angry (but not surprised) to read continuing reports in the newspapers that the AFL is contemplating taking away Jobe Watson's Brownlow Medal," Allan Hird said. "My son James was forced to stand aside for 12 months despite your chairman Mike Fitzpatrick reportedly saying words to the effect: 'He knew James bore no fault but that is just the way it works'. "You are reported as saying: 'It is about the optics', and (AFL counsel) Andrew Dillon is as reported as saying: 'The scandal needs a face'. "Fortunately, no such unjust reasons exist in order to take away Jobe's Brownlow." Hird added: "If you (McLachlan) had bothered to read the Court of Arbitration for Sport decision, you would know that not only was there no evidence to find Jobe and the other 33 players guilty, but WADA relied upon ASADA's misconduct/corruption to secure its guilty findings." He said this view was supported by "a number of QCs who are now working on the matter. I suggest your (AFL) lawyers try and find holes in it. When they can't, you should do everything possible to ensure the guilty findings are overturned and that ASADA and WADA are held responsible for their misconduct. "To be honest, I don't understand why Jobe doesn't demand that you charge him, and immediately set up a hearing which is open to the public. Allowing the CAS panel, which was incompetent at best, to make the decision for the AFL, is nothing but cowardly." Please read, consider, and sign this petition. If you have already signed, thank you. Please share this petition using any of the links provided below. Thank you again for your support.