Shaun Smith says son Joel is being ‘scapegoated’ to cover up illicit drug use in AFL circles

With Demon Joel Smith facing a multi-year ban after testing positive to cocaine post-game in 2023, his father Shaun says Smith could be the fall guy to cover up rampant drug use in the AFL.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 20: Joel Smith of the Demons celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 23 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 20, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

The father of accused Melbourne footballer Joel Smith says he fears his son is being “scapegoated” to cover up rampant illicit drug use in the AFL.

Smith, 28, is facing a multi-year suspension after testing positive to cocaine following a match at the MCG in August last year.

He has since been slapped with additional drug trafficking charges by Sport Integrity Australia investigators.

At least four Melbourne teammates have been sweating on the outcome of the trafficking probe.

A text message from Smith uncovered by SIA – in which he told them he had obtained several grams of cocaine and asked if they were interested – is understood to have been sent to a group of star Demons players.

Smith will have the option to contest his case at the AFL anti-doping tribunal but his father, former Melbourne high-flyer Shaun Smith, believes he is being pressured to stay silent and take the fall in a bid to contain a bigger scandal.

Demon Joel Smith tested positive to cocaine after a game in 2023. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“It feels like my son is being manipulated into being the fall guy here, in order to protect the AFL brand,” Smith said.

“He’s being made a scapegoat, and I’m really worried for him.

“Will they just throw Joel under a bus? Because it looks like that’s what’s happening.

“The AFL seems determined to cover up the widespread abuse of illegal drugs at some clubs.”

Smith also revealed he had urged his son to seek alternative legal advice as part of the SIA process.

“Because I’ve been pushing for another legal opinion, it’s really hurt my relationship with Joel,” he said.

“They have driven a wedge between my son and his family.”

Smith Sr has also questioned the role played by his son’s management company TLA.

“I don’t know what sort of advice his player management people have given him, but I do know they (TLA) also managed Harley Balic and they still manage (Melbourne coach) Simon Goodwin. So that’s a couple of conflicts right there.”

Balic, a former Demons player, died two years ago from drug related issues.

Goodwin’s own conduct was raised in parliament last month by federal MP Andrew Wilkie.

Goodwin has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

In regards to the text messages recovered on Smith’s phone by SIA, Smith Sr said: “What will happen to the evidence on Joel’s phone? Are they (the AFL) going to cover up those messages so we never know what was said?

“Joel and his lawyers should be telling SIA everything. The truth has to be told.

“You don’t help your mates by covering for them if they are harming themselves like so many of them are, right now.”

Joel Smith celebrates a goal in the 2023 finals series. Picture: Michael Klein.

The Smith camp was initially hoping for a suspension of just three months after his positive urine sample was collected after the Demons defeated Hawthorn by 27 points at the MCG in round 23 last year.

Asked by the Herald Sun whether SIA was investigating any of Smith’s teammates, the agency said last month: “We won’t be making any comment.”

Victoria Police said more than two months ago it was “assessing information provided by Sport Integrity Australia”.

The manager of two Melbourne stars has insisted that his clients did nothing wrong.

Another Demons premiership player received a text from Smith relating to cocaine but sources close to him said he did not reply to the message.

Any attempt to supply a prohibited substance, even in small quantities, can be considered trafficking under national anti-doping regulations.

Figures close to Smith insist that he never used cocaine before signing on at Melbourne as a rookie in 2016.

In a statement handed to Mr Wilkie – now being assessed by SIA – former Demons doctor Zeeshan Arain estimated two thirds of the Demons’ squad were either “frequent” drug users or “occasionally” used illicit drugs.

Demons chief executive Gary Pert claimed last year that the club’s culture was “the best I’ve seen in 40 years”.

An AFL spokesman said: “The anti-doping process regarding Melbourne player Joel Smith remains ongoing. There is no outcome or update to report currently”.