The AFL has suspended Carlton defender Lachie Cowan for two games after he took an illicit substance at a teammate’s house party last weekend.
Cowan was hospitalised that night and apologised in a statement released by the club on Friday morning.
Here’s what to know.
Background
Ambulance crews were called to a South Yarra home early on Sunday morning.
Carlton released a statement on Sunday afternoon confirming that Cowan and his teammate Will Hayward had been admitted to hospital “under separate circumstances”.
According to the club, Cowan received medical treatment and underwent observation, while Hayward received stitches for a minor cut to the head.
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Sanction
Following an investigation by the AFL, Cowan was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and handed a two-match ban.
The ban means he will miss the first two matches of the 2027 season.
He also received a suspended $5,000 fine and an education order under the league’s illicit drugs policy.
Hayward did not receive a sanction.
Statement
“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... This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.” -- Lachie Cowan in a statement released by Carlton
