Diversion counselling for Adelaide Crows caught with illicit drugs

Adelaide’s diabolical season has worsened with two Crows found in possession of illicit drugs in the South Australian capital.

Crows midfielder Brad Crouch was allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs

Two Adelaide Crows players have been found in possession of illicit drugs after police stopped the taxi they were in.

Brad Crouch, who has been touted as a target for clubs keen to secure a free agent, and teammate Tyson Stengle were stopped by police and questioned on Grenfell Street, Adelaide, at 5.15am on Monday.

Neither player was charged. Police said both players would undergo drug diversion counselling. Club and AFL investigations are continuing.

They will also face penalties under the AFL’s illicit drugs code, with the incident likely to be extremely costly for Crouch.

Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly said the Crows were extremely disappointed in the pair, who later issued a statement declaring their embarrassment.

“First and foremost, the alleged conduct is serious and we will continue to ask questions and make sure we have all of the facts before settling on a definitive position going forward,” Kelly said.

Tyson Stengle of the Crows. Picture: Getty

“The club will also liaise closely with the AFL and AFL Players Association during this process, including working through any consequences under the AFL’s illicit drug policy.”

Kelly said the Crows would take a strong stance on the matter once their own inquiries were completed, but would also provide support to the pair.

The timing of the drug bust is far from ideal for Crouch, who is hopeful of securing a lucrative, long-term deal, either with Adelaide or another club.

Crouch had been due to meet with the club on Monday afternoon to discuss his contract hopes, with the scandal likely to have an impact on the strength of his bid for a higher wage.

It is the second time Stengle has been involved with police this season.

A Magistrates Court case involving the Crow is ongoing after he was caught driving an unregistered vehicle over the blood alcohol limit at 2am on April 9. The Crows banned him for four weeks.

“We accept that our error in judgment is not in line with community expectations nor the high standards we set for ourselves,” the pair said in a statement.