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Fremantle AFL player Ryan Crowley is due to face the AFL Tribunal after testing positive to a substance banned under the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code during the 2014 season.
The sample was taken during a Round 17 match on Sunday July 13, 2014, and Fremantle were advised by the AFL last year that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) had issued Crowley with an infraction notice on October 1, 2014.
Upon learning that he had tested positive, Crowley elected to voluntarily accept a provisional suspension, which commenced in September. It should be made clear that the commencement of such a suspension is in no way an admission of guilt.
Fremantle president, Steve Harris, revealed on Monday that because of confidentiality clauses, the club had not previously commented on the matter publicly.
“We have been unable to inform our members and supporters of this matter until this time due to the code’s confidentiality requirements,” he said.
“We are keen for the matter to go to the AFL Tribunal but determining a date for a hearing is out of the club’s control.”
Harris also said the club would provide Crowley with all the necessary support required to deal with the matter.
“We have a continuing and ongoing duty of care for Ryan, both personally and professionally” he said.
“Ryan’s ongoing health and capacity to cope with this matter have been key areas of focus for the support we have been providing him with.”
Speaking on the matter, Crowley stated: “I would like to thank my partner Samara, my family and the club for their support over the past few months. It has been invaluable.
“I have my own legal advisers working on the matter and they have also been a great support.
“I will continue to fully cooperate on this matter with ASADA and the AFL. At this stage, I’m looking forward to the AFL Tribunal hearing taking place.”
Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said the substance Crowley tested positive for was an unsanctioned painkiller.
“The banned substance was a painkiller. The painkiller was not provided by a club doctor or staff member.”
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