Sydney Swan Caiden Cleary has been banned for attempted possession of illicit drugs

A young Sydney Swan has been banned for breaching the AFL’s illicit drug policy.

Sydney Swans youngster Caiden Cleary has been suspended for being in breach of the competition’s illicit drugs policy.

Cleary, who played four games for Sydney in 2024, has been ruled out for the first two home and away matches as well as the Swans’ pre-season matches.

He has also been fined $5,000 following an incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in December of last year.

Cleary was investigated by NSW Police, which resulted in him receiving a criminal infringement notice for possession of an illicit substance and a $400 fine.

Caiden Cleary of the Sydney Swans Photo by Phil Hillyard)

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade says players have a responsibility to uphold when it comes to drugs.

“AFL Players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their careers to uphold community expectations,” he said.

The Swans declared education about the “pitfalls of such behaviou” woiuld be ongoing.

The club is extremely disappointed and does not condone nor tolerate illicit drug behaviour,” a statement said.

“The Sydney Swans will continue to educate our players on the pitfalls of such behaviour.”