AFL player Joel Smith has produced a positive drug test in the lead-up to the finals, according to The Herald Sun's Mark Robinson.
Robinson's report affirms that Smith's post-game urine sample taken late in the season returned positive for cocaine.
The AFL has confirmed the report and is currently investigating the incident with assistance from Sports Integrity Australia (SIA).
Smith, who played 14 games this year including both of Melbourne's finals, has been suspended effective immediately.
More to come.
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AFL Statement on Joel Smith drug test
“The AFL confirms that a mandatory provisional suspension (which is effective immediately) has been imposed on Melbourne FC player Joel Smith following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code (Code).
“It is asserted that a sample provided by Smith during an In-Competition doping control test on 20 August 2023 returned an AAF for the presence of Cocaine and its metabolite Benzoylecgonine being a Prohibited Substance under the Code.
“Smith was tested after the round 23 Melbourne vs Hawthorn game on Sunday August 20, 2023 and was notified by Sport Integrity Australia last week in relation to the finding.
“The AFL was made aware of the test results at the same time. The matter is now progressing in accordance with the Code, initially involving further investigation by Sport Integrity Australia supported by the AFL. In the interim Smith will not be part of Melbourne’s football program.’’
Recent AFL in-competition positive drugs tests
2015 - Lachlan Keefe and Josh Thomas
The then-Collingwood players accepted two-year suspensions after testing positive for clenbuterol.
2019 - Sam Murray
Fringe Collingwood player Sam Murray was handed an 18-month ban despite arguing he had inadvertently ingested a small amount of cocaine.
2020 - Brayden Crossley
Former Gold Coast ruckman Brayden Crossley was hit with a year-long penalty for an unintentional anti-doping issue.
2021 - Willie Rioli
The ex-Eagle publicly admitted to smoking marijuana and trying to switch his urine sample in 2019. After two years out of the game, Rioli was handed a two-year ban in 2021 that was backdated to 2019.
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