Sydney Swans footy stars who got busted with cocaine learn their punishment from the AFL

Sydney AFLW players Paige Sheppard and Alexia Hamilton say they are “ashamed” and “remorseful” after being handed a two-match ban late last year for being caught with an illegal substance.

The AFL confirmed on Tuesday that the Swans pair would be banned for “improper conduct” under the same rule used to ban men’s players for drug-related off-field offences.

Police charged Sheppard and Hamilton in December last year with possession of an illegal substance while outside a hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The players have since appeared in court and were given a 12-month parole order, with no conviction recorded.

The AFL said Sheppard and Hamilton admitted the charges when interviewed by the league’s integrity unit after their court appearances.

Despite the significantly shortened season length, the duo were handed a two-match ban, in line with the bans imposed on AFL players Elijah Hollands, Jack Ginnivan and Bailey Smith over the past three years for breaching the same rule.

Both players receive a two-match ban and 12 months’ parole, with no convictions recorded (Paige Sheppard pictured)

Neither Sheppard nor Hamilton will face a strike against them under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy framework as it does not currently apply to AFLW players, the league said in a statement.

The incident occurred after the Swans’ season ended and was not related to a game day, unlike Melbourne AFL player Joel Smith’s ongoing case over a positive test for cocaine.

It is understood the pair will be allowed to play for Sydney in VFLW matches before the AFLW season starts and their suspensions come into effect.

Both could travel to Melbourne with the Swans when they play the first of their five matches against the Western Bulldogs on April 6.

AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said the suspensions were appropriate for both players to maintain community standards.

“AFLW players, in fact all players are well educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illegal substances,” Meade said.

“While Alexia and Paige have been extremely remorseful and apologetic for their actions, they have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their professional careers to uphold the community’s expectations.

Neither player will have a strike registered against them under the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy Framework as this does not currently apply to AFLW players

Sheppard said she made a ‘poor error of judgement’ (Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans is pictured)

“Our review, in partnership with the AFLPA, of the AFL’s illegal drug policy continues. The AFL’s expectation is that AFLW players will be part of any future policy. In these circumstances, both players have been dealt with in accordance with AFL rules and accountability is appropriate both publicly and privately.”

Sheppard said the incident was a “major error in judgment.”

“I would like to express my regret and apologize to the Sydney Swans family, my teammates, family and friends for making this mistake,” she said.

“I am fully aware that I have made a major error in judgment and will work hard to regain the respect of my teammates.”

Hamilton said she was determined to regain the trust of her teammates after the sanctions.

“I am deeply ashamed and apologize for my actions and the position I have put my family, friends and teammates in,” she said.

“I understand that I have suffered a significant breach of trust and I apologize to our members, fans and club partners for this. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”