Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Lachie Cowan suspended for first two AFL matches of 2027
The AFL suspended Carlton defender Lachie Cowan for two matches after an investigation into his use of an illicit substance last weekend.
The 21-year-old received medical treatment after an incident during a night out, and Carlton said he was discharged after observation.
The ban applies to the first two matches of the 2027 season, along with a $5,000 suspended fine and a finding under the league’s drugs policy.
Cowan apologised, said the incident was a wake-up call and will complete extra education about illicit substances.
The AFL’s new drugs policy starts in January 2027, when players will be hair-tested, with results tracing back three to six months.
The AFL Players’ Association said it was unacceptable that Cowan’s need for medical care became public and argued players should not be discouraged from seeking help.
Carlton defender Lachie Cowan was suspended for the first two matches of the 2027 AFL season after an investigation into his use of an illicit substance.
The AFL found Cowan guilty of conduct unbecoming and issued him a $5,000 suspended fine and a notifiable adverse finding under its illicit drugs policy.
Cowan apologised, thanked the medical professionals who helped him and described the incident as a wake-up call.
The AFL also required him to undertake additional education on illicit substances and their effects.
The AFL Players’ Association said it was unacceptable to sanction players after they sought medical treatment.
- Who
- Carlton defender Lachie Cowan.
- What
- He was suspended for two matches and issued a $5,000 suspended fine after the AFL found him guilty of conduct unbecoming.
- When
- The incident happened last weekend; the AFL announced the sanction on Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The AFL investigated his use of an illicit substance and the circumstances in which the matter became public.
AFL
AFL Players’ Association
Sanction after medical treatment
AFL
The AFL suspended Cowan and issued an adverse finding after its investigation.
AFL Players’ Association
The AFLPA said sanctioning players after they seek medical treatment is contrary to a health and wellbeing model.
Policy aim
AFL
The AFL said players must uphold community expectations and be accountable for their actions.
AFL Players’ Association
The AFLPA said the policy should change behaviour and minimise harm, and that players should be encouraged to seek help.
Cowan used an illicit substance during a night out, according to the AFL investigation.
Cowan received medical treatment and was observed before being discharged.
Carlton investigated the matter and passed information to the AFL, which conducted further enquiries.
The AFL announced Cowan’s two-match suspension, suspended fine and adverse finding.
The AFL’s new illicit drugs policy is due to take effect, with players to be hair-tested when they return to training.
- Suspension
- First two matches of the 2027 home-and-away season
- Fine
- $5,000, suspended
- Finding
- Notifiable adverse finding under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy
- Additional requirement
- Education on illicit substances and their effects
- Policy start
- January 2027
5 sources
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What people are saying
This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.
Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions.
However, it is contrary to this health and wellbeing model to sanction players after they have sought medical treatment, particularly in an emergency.
Most importantly we are thankful that Lachie is okay and received the medical attention he needed.