Stephen Dank, Sam Newman seen at hotel having lunch Stephen Dank was seen having lunch with Sam Newman. TWO of the most talked-about characters in football were spotted having a quiet lunch on Chapel St. The sports scientist at the centre of the Essendon doping scandal, Stephen Dank, and Footy Show identity Sam Newman were enjoying lunch at South Yarra hotel the Olsen. The Herald Sun approached the pair, who refused to comment on their meeting, but Dank did add, with a laugh, they were "old friends." Dank would not be drawn on the charges that the AFL clamped on Essendon on Tuesday evening. There is speculation surrounding a possible appearance on Channel 9's Footy Show for Dank. He and Newman were accompanied by an unknown woman, who left with Dank after the hour-long lunch. The Olsen is close to an anti-ageing clinic and the hyperbaric facility whose operators are embroiled in the Essendon anti-doping investigation. Both Dank and Newman have been strident critics of ASADA's anti-doping probe into alleged peptide use in the AFL and NRL. Stephen Dank lunches with Sam Newman. Dank has steadfastly refused to work with ASADA, which now has the legal power to instruct him to co-operate with its investigation. This means Dank could be compelled to produce any documents relevant to the investigation. He has previously said he has paperwork that demonstrates Essendon players were not given any banned substances. ASADA'S new "disclosure notice" powers took effect in early August, but those close to the agency have said it would take up to a fortnight to establish the internal structures required to issue a notice. ASADA's investigation into Essendon is ongoing as its investigators turn their attention to the NRL. It is unknown if ASADA will call on Dank before or after its interviews involving the NRL are complete. Dank has vowed to challenge any disclosure notice in court. He joined Essendon after he was recommended to coach James Hird by long-time associate, Bombers fitness boss Dean "The Weapon" Robinson, in October 2011. The sports scientist, known as "The Pharmacist," signed a three-year contract with the Dons after stints at NRL club Manly and the Gold Coast Suns with Robinson. But Dank left less than a year later, in September 2012, amid internal concerns about the sports science program - among them a $60,000 invoice for substances and services with limited detail. Controversy has surrounded his name ever since Essendon revealed it was being investigated by ASADA in February.