Crowley tested positive for methadone
Methadone, an analgesic commonly used in the treatment of heroin addicts, has been revealed as the substance which threatens to end Ryan Crowley’s AFL career.
Seven News reported last night that the 2012 Doig medallist received the drug in tablet form from a health professional as treatment for a bad back.
It is believed Crowley wasn’t told what the tablet contained and took it in the lead-up to Fremantle’s round-17 win over Greater Western Sydney.
It had previously been reported that the veteran midfielder had tested positive to a “specified” banned substance.
Provisionally suspended since September last year, Crowley faced the AFL anti-doping tribunal in Melbourne yesterday.
The AFL released a statement late yesterday saying that the anti-doping tribunal, consisting of chairman David Jones, former judge John Nixon and doctor Susan White, had concluded its hearing and reserved its decision.
A decision would be handed down “as soon as practicable”, the AFL said.
Crowley faces a ban of up to two years if found guilty.
Crowley was represented at the hearing by senior barrister Ben Ihle and Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond was also in attendance as a consultant for the player.
The hearing was closed to the media and public.
Bond said Crowley would continue to train with his teammates while he awaited the tribunal’s decision.
“Ryan has had his hearing and his legal team was able to make submissions on his behalf,” Bond said.
“We will now await the outcome of the hearing.
“In the meantime, Ryan will train with the playing squad and we will continue to support him.”
Fremantle haven’t missed a beat in Crowley’s absence, sitting two games clear on top of the ladder after a barnstorming 7-0 start to the year.
Crowley has played 188 matches for the club since making his debut in 2005.
In recent years he had become known as one of the game’s best defensive midfielders, playing a key tagging role in the Dockers’ 2012-14 finals campaigns.
Crowley’s most recent game for Fremantle was the semifinal defeat to Port Adelaide last year.
