Papley to face court after alleged positive drug test

Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley is facing a court appearance after allegedly driving with a suspended licence.

The stop also allegedly turned up a positive preliminary drug test.

Club CEO Matthew Pavlich told The Age on Thursday he is “bitterly disappointed”.

Here’s what to know.

What happened

According to a statement from the club, NSW Police pulled Papley over on Monday morning for a roadside licence check.

He was then issued with a court notice for driving with a suspended licence.

His licence had allegedly been suspended for failing to pay a parking fine.

Police then conducted a random drug test, which allegedly returned a positive reading.

A second sample has been sent for formal analysis, with results not expected for at least four weeks.

The Swans said Papley told the club about the incident immediately, and that they then notified the AFL.

What’s next?

Papley will face court for allegedly driving with a suspended licence.

Whether or not Papley faces a separate integrity process from the AFL or the Swans will likely depend on the result of the second test.

Earlier this month, Carlton player Lachie Cowan was handed a two-match ban for conduct unbecoming, following an incident where he was taken to hospital after taking an illicit substance.

He also received a suspended $5,000 fine and an education order under the league’s illicit drugs policy.

Swans

It is Sydney’s second major off-field issue this year, following the sexual assault allegation made after an incident at a Melbourne hotel.

The club has suspended five players for a “serious breach” of its behavioural standards on the night of the incident.

The club suspensions relate solely to the breaches of behavioural standards and do not mean the players have been accused of sexual assault.

No criminal charges have been laid, and the players deny criminal wrongdoing.