AFL seeking legal advice after briefing ASADA on GWS Giants drug accusation

THE AFL must seek outside legal advice over whether GWS young gun Lachie Whitfield and two former officials broke AFL rules or the game’s anti-doping code.

Lachie Whitfield in action for GWS Giants.

THE AFL must seek outside legal advice over whether Greater Western Sydney young gun Lachie Whitfield and two former Giants officials broke AFL rules or were in breach of the game’s anti-doping code.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority last night sent the Whitfield case — which has embroiled new Collingwood football boss Graeme Allan and Brisbane Lions player welfare manager Craig Lambert — back to the AFL for further explanation.

League integrity bosses briefed ASADA officials on Thursday over allegations Whitfield was hidden away at Lambert’s house in May last year because of fears he would fail a drugs test.

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The AFL’s report to ASADA did not contain a recommendation and the anti-doping body has advised the league to seek outside legal opinion on what, if any, rules or policies it believes have been broken.

ASADA said in a statement: “On 1 September, the AFL’s integrity department briefed ASADA on their investigation into the conduct of a current listed player of the GWS Giants Football Club and two former members of staff of that club.

“A copy of the investigator’s report was provided to ASADA at that meeting.

Graeme Allan now works for Collingwood. Picture: Michael Klein

Craig Lambert now works for Brisbane. Picture: Jono Searle

“The matter remains with the AFL for the next steps to be determined and the AFL will now seek legal opinion on this matter.

“ASADA will be consulted once this process is complete.”

The investigation was triggered after Whitfield’s former girlfriend tipped of ASADA last July about his alleged use of illicit drugs.

It emerged that Whitfield spent several nights at Lambert’s home on Allan’s advice, but the star midfielder told investigators he did so because he was suffering from a migraine.

The AFL’s new illicit drugs policy remains shrouded in secrecy, but broader powers in the AFL rules can see players, officials and clubs punished if found to have brought the game into disrepute.

In the case of Australia’s most infamous anti-doping case, Essendon was proved to have broken AFL rules because of poor governance as well as anti-doping rules because of its 2012 injection program.

Collingwood’s former football chief Neil Balme yesterday said he was considering the Magpies’ offer of a different role at the club and would make a decision next week. The offered position is director of coaching.

Originally published as AFL seeking legal advice after briefing ASADA on GWS Giants drug accusation