- Joel Smith resigned after testing positive for a banned substance
- Demons star was tested after round 23 win against Hawthorn at MCG
- Smith, 27, faces the maximum penalty of a four-year ban
Melbourne Demons star Joel Smith has been provisionally suspended by the AFL after testing positive for a banned substance.
The league has confirmed that they are “working with” Smith on the matter, with the ban taking effect immediately.
The AFL said a urine sample taken from Smith after the Round 23 game against Hawthorn at the MCG returned a positive test for cocaine.
Smith, 27 – who featured in Melbourne’s two losing finals – is aware of the result after being notified by Sports Integrity Australia.
The maximum penalty for a competitive test is a four-year suspension.
But if Smith can prove the breach was unintentional, he will only be sidelined for a month.
Melbourne Demons star Joel Smith has been provisionally suspended by the AFL after testing positive for a banned substance
Smith (pictured, centre) was tested on August 20 after the Demons defeated Hawthorn at the MCG
“It is alleged that a sample provided by Smith during an in-match doping control test on August 20, 2023 produced an AAF due to the presence of cocaine and the metabolite benzoylecgonine, a prohibited substance under the code,” the AFL said in a statement.
‘Smith was tested after the Melbourne v Hawthorn round 23 match on Sunday 20 August 2023 and was informed of the finding by Sport Integrity Australia last week.
“The AFL was informed of the test results at the same time.
“The matter is now progressing in accordance with the code, initially involving further investigation by Sport Integrity Australia, supported by the AFL.
“In the meantime, Smith will not be part of the Melbourne football program.”
Smith made his way into the Demons side in round 12 against Carlton and then played every match for the rest of the season.
He scored three goals in Melbourne’s semi-final defeat to Carlton and became a father for the first time in September.