AFL issue bans to Adelaide Crows pair Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle over illicit drug breach

Ed Chisholm

AFL issue bans to Adelaide Crows pair Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle over illicit drug breach image

Adelaide's Brad Crouch and Tyson Stengle have been handed bans after being caught by police possessing an illegal substance.

An AFL investigation determined Stengle will be handed a four-game ban after a separate breach earlier in the year, while Crouch will be suspended for two games of the 2021 AFL premiership.

"Stengle received four matches due to a breach of the AFL Return to Play protocols in April, where he was suspended for four matches and fined $2,500 and whilst the present matter is of a different nature, the AFL took account of a relatively recent incident of serious misconduct on his behalf in considering the applicable sanction in this matter," an AFL statement read.

The AFL has also ordered Stengle and Crouch to undergo a Drug and Education Course prior to the start of the 2021 season.

MORE: Tom Lynch free to play in Richmond's Preliminary Final after 'knee-drop' incident against St. Kilda

Both players were caught in Adelaide by South Australian police on the morning of 28th September after being searched and found possessing the alleged illicit substance.

The matter has surfaced while Crouch, who is a free agent, negotiates a new contract with the Crows for next year after knocking back the club's initial extension offer earlier in the year.

Crows CEO Adam Kelly said at the time of the gun midfielder's future at the club would be placed in further jeopardy after the recent indiscretion. 

"We know there’s been chat about him maybe leaving," he said.

"We had planned on having discussions this week, but this [the drug allegations] will take precedent over that now as we try and work through it.

"It’s obviously seen in a really dim light by the footy club and certainly wouldn’t be helpful for Brad as he’s trying to secure his long term future in the game."


 

Ed Chisholm

Ed Chisholm Photo

Ed Chisholm is a content producer for Sporting News Australia.