AFL rocked by player doping bombshell, league identifies star

The AFL has confirmed a star player has been provisionally banned after a doping bombshell that has rocked the league.

Joel Smith of the Demons. Photo by Michael Klein.

The AFL has been rocked by confirmation a Melbourne Demons star has tested positive for a banned substance.

The Herald Sun first reported the shock news before the league on Thursday announced the player at the centre of the bombshell is Melbourne’s Joel Smith.

The football club has now released a statement confirming Smith has been immediately, provisionally suspended.

“The Melbourne Football Club acknowledges the communication sent by AFL regarding Melbourne Player Joel Smith and the notification to him of an Adverse Analytical Finding, potential violation of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and imposition of a Provisional Suspension which is effective immediately,” the Demons said in a club statement.

“As this matter is being investigated by Sport Integrity Australia, the Melbourne Football Club is unable to make any further comment at this time.

Joel Smith of the Demons. Photo by Michael Klein.

“The Club will continue to support Joel throughout the process and ensure our supporters are informed further when we are authorised to do so.”

The AFL earlier divulged details about the timeline of the scandal.

“The AFL confirms that a mandatory provisional suspension (which is effective immediately) has been imposed on Melbourne FC player Joel Smith following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code (Code),” the league said in a statement.

“It is asserted that a sample provided by Smith during an In-Competition doping control test on 20 August 2023 returned an AAF for the presence of Cocaine and its metabolite Benzoylecgonine being a Prohibited Substance under the Code.

Joel Smith of the Demons. Photo by Michael Klein.

“Smith was tested after the Round 23 Melbourne vs Hawthorn game on Sunday August 20, 2023 and was notified by Sport Integrity Australia last week in relation to the finding. The AFL was made aware of the test results at the same time.

“The matter is now progressing in accordance with the Code, initially involving further investigation by Sport Integrity Australia supported by the AFL.

“In the interim Smith will not be part of Melbourne’s football program.

“The AFL is unable to make any further comment at this time.”

AFL headquarters at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Officials from the SIA — previously known as Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) — are reported to have first registered the test result last week — two weeks after the AFL Grand Final on September 30.

The report first revealed the player has only returned a positive result on his A-sample and his B-sample has not been tested.

Under the AFL’s controversial illicit drugs policy, some recreational drugs are not banned outside of competition and in the off-season.

However, cocaine and some other recreational drugs are listed on the WADA in-competition prohibited list of stimulants as potential performance-enhancers.

Smith played in the Demons’ final 12 matches of the season, including the qualifying final and semi-final.