AFL hands Carlton’s Lachie Cowan two-match drug suspension
The defender will miss the opening two matches of 2027 and must undertake extra drug education after an incident requiring hospital treatment.
Carlton defender Lachie Cowan has been suspended by the AFL for the opening two matches of the 2027 season after acknowledging illicit drug use. His penalties also include a suspended A$5,000 fine and a notifiable adverse finding under the league’s illicit drugs policy.
The 21-year-old had a seizure while at teammate Will Hayward’s home in South Yarra. After treatment by paramedics at the property, he was taken to the Alfred Hospital for assessment and later discharged.
An investigation by Carlton established that Cowan had used an illicit drug. The club subsequently supplied information to the AFL.
Cowan apologised to his family and the club for the impact of his actions. He thanked the medical professionals who treated him and those who offered support, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to learn from the experience.
He will have to undertake education on illicit substances and their effects beyond the training already required. AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said Cowan had admitted his mistake and recognised his responsibility for his actions.
No sanction was imposed on Hayward, who also received hospital treatment after cutting his head in a fall. Carlton said that incident was separate.
The league’s revised illicit drugs policy begins in January 2027, following education sessions during November and December. Every player will undergo hair testing on returning to training in January, with results reaching back three to six months.
