Bombers captain Jobe Watson was relieved by Tuesday’s verdict clearing 34 past and present Essendon players of doping in 2012, yet resentment still bubbles about what they didn’t know.

The skipper spoke at a press conference of the “heartbreaking frustration” felt by players, the club, families and supporters in dealing with the supplements saga.

Watson said from the outset the players firmly believed they had nothing to hide and fully co-operated with the investigation.

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“We were totally open books about the whole process, all we wanted to know was the truth,” Watson said.

“We hid nothing from anyone.”

On Tuesday the AFL anti-doping tribunal found unanimously it was “not comfortably satisfied” any player was given the banned synthetic substance thymosin beta-4.

Jobe Watson has endured a nightmare two years. Photo: Getty

Watson was asked if he knew what substance had been given to him.

He responded: “What I do know is that every player told exactly what they knew to the investigative officers.”

“I don’t think you sit with comfortably with this. I don’t think it sits comfortably for you,” Watson said.

When asked if the verdict was vindication for coach James Hird, Watson said: “I think everyone involved has fought this battle, no one more so than the players”.

Watson said the players could not have survived the 26-month ordeal without the support of the fans, and said he understood the “heartbreaking frustration” that was felt about the way the saga had affected the club and its reputation during the investigation.

“We feel today’s decision handed down by the AFL tribunal fully supports the players’ belief that they are innocent,” he said.

“The players should have ever been placed in this position.”

He said the hardest part of the whole process had been the toll taken on family and loved ones.

“You know there’s overwhelming love there … but when they are completely helpless to help you, I think the most difficult thing has been the families,” Watson said.

Watson and the other players watched the decision together via video link. He said it took a couple of minutes to sink in that they had finally been cleared.

“(When we realised) we sort of all broke into hugs and cheering. It was a really special moment just to be there with the other guys,” he said.

He said the players, who have been provisionally suspended since November 14, wanted to move on and focus on the football season.

“They don’t want to play each other any more – they’re ready to play someone else,” he said.

The AFL Players’ Association said the saga should serve as a warning to the football to insure such a regime is never seen again.

“The PA will continue to work with the AFL and clubs to do everything we can to make sure no player’s health is ever put at risk again in the pursuit of on-field success,” AFL Players Association CEO Paul Marsh said.