Collingwood footy boss Graham Wright defends culture after Jack Ginnivan’s illicit drugs suspension

Collingwood has had a string of drug-related incidents in the decade. But the club is adamant it doesn’t have an issue.

Jack Ginnivan has been suspended for two matches. Picture: Mark Kolbe/AFL Photos

Collingwood is adamant it does not have a widespread illicit drug problem with the club saying the Jack Ginnivan episode was an isolated incident.

Ginnivan confessed to using a drug believed to be ketamine at a Torquay hotel after footage emerged of him and a friend snorting a substance in January.

The livewire forward who kicked 40 goals last season will miss a pair of practice games and the opening two rounds and will likely have to return through the VFL in round 3.

The Pies are one of many clubs who over the years have had a string of drug-related incidents.

Former CEO Gary Pert warned of “volcanic” drug behaviour across the league in 2012 which is understood to have included drug use at Collingwood, with Pies Sam Murray, Lachie Keeffe and Josh Thomas all subjected to ASADA bans that involved illicit drugs.

Clubs are handed de-identified data from the AFL about the level of drug use across their list so the Pies would be aware of their level of compliance to the AFL illicit drugs code.

Jack Ginnivan has been suspended for the opening two rounds. Picture: Michael Klein

Pies football boss Graham Wright said on Sunday the club was confident it did not have a greater problem.

“Absolutely we feel like we are (in a good place). This is an isolated incident and that is the way we are treating it. It is not a pattern of behaviour from him or anyone else at the club,” he said.

“We continually educate our players all the time and our staff around correct behaviours and around drugs. They receive education through the AFLPA.

“There is no shortage of education with players. It’s not good enough and Jack is going to wear that.

“I would hope it wasn’t a major issue but players are part of society and drugs are part of society. We certainly hope our players don’t partake in illicit drugs. I don’t think it’s a big issue in the competition and we certainly don’t think it is here.”

Wright said part of Ginnivan’s contract included match payments which are usually $5000 per game.

Graham Wright said the Pies do not have a drug problem. Picture: David Crosling

He has accepted a first strike under the AFL’s drug policy which will see him target-tested this year and also be forced to accept a $5000 suspended sentence.

But given Ginnivan will likely miss at least the first three rounds because of a six-week absence from competitive football he will forsake at least $15,000 in AFL match payments.

Ginnivan has spoken publicly about the strain last year’s scrutiny placed on his mental health but Wright said that played no part in this incident.

He said there were other Collingwood players at the same pub that night but Collingwood is confident they were not involved in drug-taking.

“I dont think we are ever happy to be in this situation but Jack owned it. I questioned him about his behaviour and what had transpired and he owned it straight away.

“Absolutely he is incredibly remorseful about being in this situation and overall we are hoping he learns from it. We don’t want to be here again.”

Originally published as Collingwood footy boss Graham Wright defends culture after Jack Ginnivan’s illicit drugs suspension