Carlton defender Lachie Cowan has received a “wake-up call” after being suspended for two matches for the use of an illicit substance during a night out last weekend.
In addition to the ban, which will be served at the beginning of next season, Cowan was handed a $5,000 suspended fine along with a “notifiable adverse finding” under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy.
The 21-year-old must also undertake further education on illicit substances and their effects.
A club statement on Sunday afternoon 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 on Sunday 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 on Sunday that 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 handed to Cowan come with the AFL’s new illicit drugs policy due to come into effect in January 2027.
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 their disappointment in a statement while committing to provide 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.”
The AFL Players’ Association acknowledged the outcome of the AFL’s investigation but said it was “unacceptable” Cowan seeking medical attention had become a public matter.
“We don’t want players using illicit substances and that is why the Illicit Drugs Policy is so important, with its overarching purpose to change behaviour and minimise harm,” the AFLPA said.
“However, it is contrary to this health and wellbeing model to sanction players after they have sought medical treatment, particularly in an emergency. As an industry, we need to encourage help-seeking behaviour, not penalise or disincentivise it.”
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.
