AFL suspends Lachie Cowan for two matches after illicit drug use in South Yarra

Lachie Cowan has been suspended for two matches and given a $5,000 suspended fine after using an illicit substance during a night out in South Yarra early on Sunday, Carlton and the AFL said. The two-match ban will be served at the beginning of next season and Cowan received a "notifiable adverse finding" under the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

In addition to the suspended fine and ban, Cowan must undertake further education on illicit substances and their effects, the league said. A club statement said Cowan had "received medical treatment and underwent observation, before being discharged a short time later". Blues teammate Will Hayward was also admitted to hospital and required stitches to a minor cut to his head in what Carlton said were "separate circumstances".

"I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation, I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club," Cowan said. "I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was OK. "This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this."

Guardian Australia reported that 21-year-old Cowan and former Sydney player Hayward were part of a larger group that had been socialising on Saturday evening. Ambulance Victoria said paramedics responded to an incident in South Yarra at about 5.15am on Sunday, with a man in his 20s taken by ambulance to the Alfred hospital in a stable condition.

The sanctions were handed to Cowan ahead of the AFL's new illicit drugs policy due to come into effect in January 2027. Under that policy, all players will be hair tested upon their return to training in January, with readings going as far back as three to six months prior, while education sessions will be held at all clubs across November and December.

"AFL Players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations," AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said. "They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances. Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions."

Carlton expressed disappointment in a statement and committed to providing Cowan with wellbeing support. "Most importantly we are thankful that Lachie is OK and received the medical attention he needed," Carlton football boss Chris Davies said. "We have been in regular contact with Lachie this week and he has taken ownership of his mistake. Lachie understands that it is his responsibility to ensure he makes better decisions moving forward."

Cowan played 24 matches this year and finished fifth in the Blues’ best and fairest after a breakout season. He has played 62 games since being drafted with pick No 30 in 2022.

The two-match suspension will be served at the beginning of next season and Cowan must complete the mandated education and abide by the notifiable adverse finding under the AFL's illicit drugs policy.