there was no tip off AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has again insisted he could not have tipped Essendon off that they were under a crime investigation. The explosive allegation is one of the key features of the writ lodged by Bombers coach James Hird on Thursday in the Supreme Court. While the claim was first reported several months ago, this is the first time that the Hird camp has publicly said Demetriou tipped off Essendon about the Australian Crime Commission investigation. "You know my point very clearly on this ... it was impossible to tell Essendon anything when I was not privy to ... information," Demetriou told ABC radio on Friday morning. That is clear. The writ alleges that Demetriou tipped off then-club chairman David Evans in a phone call on February 4. The following day, Essendon announced they would come under a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation for last year's supplements program at the club. On Wednesday this week, the scandal became open war between the AFL and Essendon. The league released highly-inflammatory details of the charges it laid last week against Essendon, Hird and fellow senior club officials Dr Bruce Reid, Mark Thompson and Danny Corcoran. The Bombers and Hird quickly responded, slamming the AFL and promising to fight the charges vigorously. The following day, Hird served his writ. Hird wants Demetriou barred from sitting in any judgment of the AFL charges, saying he has a conflict of interest. Hird also wants the charges heard by an independent body, not the AFL Commission. The charges were supposed to be heard at Monday's commission hearing, but the AFL has agreed to requests for extra time from Essendon and the four individuals. The AFL has been keen for the matters to be resolved before the finals. Essendon could be stripped of premiership points if found guilty of the AFL charges. Demetriou was also asked on Friday morning if fans should expect Essendon to play in the opening week of the finals. That prompted a sharp response from the AFL boss because of speculation the league has already decided on Essendon's penalties. "You know I can't answer that question," Demetriou said. It's not just about a writ, it's about the absolute clarity and (precision) that our commission has maintained, as have I ... that there's no predetermination of this matter. We go into this with an open mind. Any commentary otherwise would infer we have a predetermination - I'm not going to do that. Demetriou added he was yet to be briefed by the AFL's legal counsel on the Hird writ. It is unclear for now when, or if, any court action will proceed. Hird, who was meant to attend a scheduled media conference at 11:30am on Friday at Windy Hill, pulled out just minutes before the conference was to begin. A club spokesman said Hird was too busy to attend because of meetings, with assistant coach Simon Goodwin to take his place at the conference instead.