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Collingwood defender Sam Murray is under anti-doping investigation and could face a lengthy suspension after allegedly returning a positive test.
The Magpies have confirmed that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority is investigating Murray, who is in his debut AFL season.
Murray, 20, allegedly tested positive on match day for a banned illicit substance.
As illicit substances are considered performance-enhancing in matchday tests, Murray faces a ban of up to four years.
Former ASADA chief executive Richard Ings said Murray would be in trouble if the investigation finds the Magpies backman knowingly took the substance.
“The challenge for a player testing positive for an illicit drug on match day is proving reduced fault,” Ings tweeted.
“You need to show that you took reasonable steps to avoid ingesting the banned substance.
“If you took it knowingly then you are toast.”
Murray was a late withdrawal from last Saturday’s win over Port Adelaide, with Collingwood citing personal reasons.
He remains out of the side for this Saturday’s game in Perth against Fremantle.
ASADA last week reportedly made the 20-year-old aware of an elevated reading for an illicit substance stemming from the test.
News of Murray’s investigation was broken on the AFL website, but AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan told 3AW he could not comment.
Under anti-doping rules, ASADA would not have informed the AFL officially yet that Murray is under investigation.
Most likely, ASADA officially informed Murray that his A sample had returned a positive test and he has told Collingwood.
ASADA would be waiting for the result of Murray’s B sample before proceeding with the investigation.
It is considered a given that the B sample result will also be positive.
“I would like to reinforce that Collingwood is unequivocally committed to the cause of eliminating drugs in sport,” Collingwood chief executive Mark Anderson said in the club statement.
“We fully support all anti-doping policies and our athletes understand the rules in place. Collingwood has worked hard to develop a culture of professionalism and respect within its teams and we are making great progress.
“It would be inappropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the ASADA process.
“In addition to ensuring we comply fully with the ASADA process, we are also ensuring that we support Sam as a person.
“Whatever the outcome of the ASADA investigation, the welfare of a young man must remain a priority and we are committed to providing the support that Sam needs.”
Anderson will address a media conference in Perth at 1600 AEST.
Murray has sought independent legal advice.
The 13-game player crossed to the Magpies from Sydney at the end of last season.
Three years ago, Collingwood players Josh Thomas and Lachie Keeffe were banned for two years after testing positive to the banned substance Clenbuterol.
While there is no official confirmation of what substance Murray allegedly took – and the investigation could run for months – his case appears to be different.
The speculation is that Murray has tested positive to an illicit substance, while Thomas and Keeffe had taken an illicit drug that was laced with Clenbuterol.
Thomas is still on Collingwood’s list and is enjoying a fine 2018 campaign, while Keeffe now plays for GWS.
Murray was also having a strong debut season before his positive test, earning a Rising Star nomination.
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