Joel Smith sentenced to four-year drugs ban by AFL

Melbourne defender Joel Smith has been banned for four years and three months by the AFL for five anti-doping rule breaches.

The ban means Smith is banned from playing at any level of Australian Rules Football or any sport registered with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules until the start of 2028.

The 28-year-old player’s ban was accepted by WADA, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) and the AFL.

Smith tested positive for cocaine during a routine drug test on game day in August 2023.

It was later revealed that he had sent text messages to his teammates stating that he had bought the drug, which is considered smuggling under anti-doping laws, and was offering it to them.

Under these laws, he was found guilty of trafficking and/or attempted trafficking in cocaine.

Three of the five infractions relate to smuggling or attempted trafficking of cocaine.

“The outcome of this case, which saw Joel Smith suspended for more than four years, reflects the seriousness of the AFL in addressing breaches of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and is a useful lesson for any player who uses illegal substances,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said in a statement. “It is prohibited under WADA Rules,” he said.

“The use of performance-enhancing substances is strictly prohibited in Australian Football and the AFL will continue to work with Sport Integrity Australia to detect and prosecute the use of such substances in competition and other conduct prohibited by the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code.

“The AFL does not condone the use of illegal drugs in any way.

“If a player chooses to use illicit drugs, the potential consequences are serious, including health and safety risks and, as here, the risk of losing the privilege of playing professional football.”

Under the terms of the suspension, Smith is prohibited from participating in any sport that has adopted an anti-doping policy in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code until January 9, 2028, but can return to training from November 2027.