Blues AFL Player Lachie Cowan Suspended for Two Matches Over Illicit Substance Use

Carlton Blues AFL player Lachie Cowan has been suspended for two matches and fined $5,000 following an investigation into his use of an illicit substance last weekend.

The league said the circumstances surrounding how the matter became public were also part of the investigation. Cowan was found guilty of conduct unbecoming.

Cowan will miss the first two home-and-away matches of the 2027 season. His sanction was handed down as the AFL confirmed its new illicit drugs policy, set to take effect in January.

Under the new policy, all players will undergo hair testing upon returning to training in January, with results tracing back three to six months.

Cowan expressed remorse, saying, "I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club."

"I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was okay," he said in a statement released by Carlton.

"This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this," Cowan added.

The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) released a statement criticizing the handling of the situation. "This has become a public matter because private information regarding players seeking medical treatment has been shared," AFLPA chief executive James Gallagher said.

"That is unacceptable," Gallagher stated.

He expressed concern that Cowan's suspension could deter players from seeking emergency medical assistance in the future.

"We don't want players using illicit substances and that is why the [AFL's] illicit drugs policy is so important, with its overarching purpose to change behaviour and minimise harm," Gallagher said.

"However, it is contrary to this health and wellbeing model to sanction players after they have sought medical treatment, particularly in an emergency," he added.

"As an industry, we need to encourage help-seeking behaviour, not penalise or disincentivise it," Gallagher emphasized.

The Carlton Football Club prioritized Cowan's wellbeing, with general manager of football Chris Davies stating, "Most importantly we are thankful that Lachie is okay and received the medical attention he needed."

Davies added that Cowan has taken responsibility for his actions and understands the importance of making better decisions moving forward.

Cowan will be required to undertake additional education on illicit substances beyond the current mandated training.

The AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said, "AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations."

"They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances," Harley stated.

"Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions," he concluded.