Melbourne deny ex-club doctor Zeeshan Arain’s extraordinary claims of player illicit drug use

Melbourne have strongly denied ex-club doctor Zeeshan Arain’s claims that one third of the Demons’ squad ‘occasionally’ used illicit drugs and one third were ‘frequent’ drug users.

Melbourne says its former club doctor never raised any concerns about its players’ alleged illicit drug use during his seven-year stint at the Demons.

In an extraordinary claim detailed by Nine Newspapers on Saturday, ex-club doctor Zeeshan Arain estimated one third of the Demons’ squad “occasionally” used illicit drugs and one third were “frequent” drug users amid a “disturbingly high prevalence” of drug use at the club.

Dr Arain said the group which used drugs often included those on medication for mental health issues related to the extreme pressures of playing at the top level.

But Melbourne dismissed the speculation as wildly inaccurate, saying Dr Arain never raised concerns about players using illicit drugs during his seven-year stint as club doctor between 2014 and 2020.

Dr Zeeshan Arain. Picture: Tony Gough

And the Demons again fiercely defended coach Simon Goodwin amid “baseless” allegations about his behaviour from Dr Arain and former president Glen Bartlett.

The Demons told the Herald Sun on Saturday Dr Arain did not report a single concern to the club’s audit and risk sub-committee on any issues regarding player illicit drug use during his tenure.

“Dr Arain was the head doctor of the Melbourne Football Club between 2014 and the start of 2020,” the statement said.

“During this time, he was required to report annually to the club’s audit and risk sub-committee on any issues or concerns regarding the entire medical program.

“At no time throughout his tenure did Dr Arain ever raise any concerns about players’ illicit drug use to this sub-committee.

“Like all clubs within the competition the Melbourne Football Club continue to invest heavily in education and support systems, including the IDP (illicit drugs policy) to help reduce the prevalence of illicit substance abuse within the club and the game.”

Federal MP Andrew Wilkie on Tuesday night detailed Dr Arain’s claims that Melbourne players underwent “off-the-books” drug tests and faked injuries in order to dodge game day tests and lengthy bans under the World Anti-Doping code.

The AFL has confirmed the practice as a part of the illicit drugs policy which was designed to help support and treat players with mental health issues.

Simon Goodwin. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Goodwin said he was surprised by the reports of off the books tests and called on the AFL to provide clubs with more information relating to drug use among the playing ranks.

Ex-president Bartlett also raised concerns about Goodwin’s behaviour with AFL bosses including former chief executive Gillon McLachlan.

But the Demons have become increasingly frustrated by the allegations.

“In response to the allegations regarding Simon Goodwin’s behaviour, the club has dismissed these on several occasions over the past 18 months,” the statement said.

“These allegations were investigated and found to be completely without basis or truth.

“It is incredibly frustrating for the club, Simon and his family that such baseless allegations continue to be reported without the presence of any facts or evidence to support them.”