Melbourne defender Joel Smith handed career-ending ban for drug trafficking

Melbourne’s Joel Smith has been handed a four-year AFL ban for cocaine use and trafficking.

The AFL, Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced the suspension on Friday.

Under the terms of the suspension, Smith is prohibited from playing any level of AFL until early 2028, which will effectively end his AFL career.

The anti-doping rule violations the suspension relates to includes testing positive to cocaine following a match, as well as multiple instances of “trafficking and/or attempted to traffic”, according to the AFL’s statement.

“The outcome in this matter, in which Joel Smith has been suspended for more than four years, reflects the seriousness with which the AFL treats breaches of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and is a salutary lesson for any player using illicit substances that are prohibited under the WADA Code”, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“The use of performance enhancing substances is strictly prohibited in Australian Football and the AFL will continue to work with Sport Integrity Australia to identify and prosecute the use of such substances In-Competition and other conduct prohibited by the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code”.

“The AFL does not in any way condone the use of illicit drugs. If a player chooses to use illicit drugs, the potential consequences are substantial, including risks to health and safety and of losing the privilege of playing professional football, as has occurred here.”

Smith had been provisionally suspended since October, when he was notified of a positive cocaine test following the Demons’ Round 20 win over Hawthorn on August 20, 2023.

The 28-year-old had initially hoped for as little as a three-month ban, but things escalated dramatically in February when SIA charged Smith with three anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code over alleged “trafficking or attempted trafficking” of cocaine to third parties.

Under the code, trafficking is defined as “selling, giving, transporting, sending, delivering or distributing a prohibited substance by an athlete ... to any third party”.

Smith has also been notified of another ADRV for possession of cocaine on September 9, 2022.

On that day, Smith was a sub in Melbourne’s AFL semi-final loss to Brisbane.

The next day, he won a VFL preliminary final with Casey. Nine days later, he played in Casey’s premiership win.

Smith, who is the son of high-flying Demons great Shaun Smith, arrived at the club as a Category B rookie in 2016 after coming from basketball.

He made his debut in 2017 and has since played 42 games.

Used in defence and attack, 2023 was his most consistent year, featuring in the last 14 games of the season and kicking 11 goals, including three in the semi-final loss to Carlton.

The ban continues a tumultuous period for Melbourne.

CEO Gary Pert announced he will quit at the end of the year, less than two months after president Kate Roffey stepped down.

The Demons have also faced continuous questions regarding their culture with superstars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver both exploring potential trades during a turbulent off-season.

Both players ultimately remained at the club and are committed to 2025.