Joel Smith: Melbourne Demons utility could receive ban of up to two years after positive cocaine test
Melbourne utility Joel Smith is facing a minimum two-year suspension after he was reportedly found guilty of taking a performance-enhancing drug following a positive test for cocaine.
The AFL was rocked by the bombshell revelation last year that Smith had tested positive for the banned substance and its metabolite benzoylecgonine following a home and away match in 2023.
He was provisionally suspended by the AFL in October as Sport Integrity Australia began their investigation, supported by the league.
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“The AFL advises that the matter involving Joel Smith of the Melbourne Football Club being investigated by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code is ongoing,” AFL spokesperson Jay Allen said.
“Joel remains provisionally suspended and as such he is not permitted to participate in Melbourne’s pre-season training when it recommences in the coming days.
“Due to the ongoing nature of the anti-doping process, the AFL will not comment further at this time.”
The report states the 27-year-old is expected to challenge the findings. It is believed he will argue the amount of cocaine found in his system was minuscule, ruling out the performance-enhancing finding.
Smith tested positive for cocaine on game day last year, following a urine sample collected, as part of routine drug testing, after the Demons defeated Hawthorn at the MCG in round 23.
He kicked two goals in the 27-point win on August 20.
SIA reportedly did not impose a penalty but the report states the findings pointed to at least a two-year ban.
A suspension could be a huge blow to Melbourne’s flag hopes this season, following two straight-sets exits since their 2021 premiership victory.
Smith played in both of the Demons’ finals appearances, kicking four goals across two games, and is contracted until the end of 2024.
