The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal has handed down its decision in the Ryan Crowley matter, suspending the 31-year-old for 12 months after he tested positive in season 2014 to a specified substance under the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code.

Having already served more than eight months of a provisional suspension that he accepted on 25 September 2014, Crowley is suspended from playing until 24 September this year, when the balance of the 12 month sanction will have expired.

Crowley overwhelmed by support

The AFL advised the club in September last year that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) had issued Crowley with a show cause notice after his ‘A’ and ‘B’ samples tested positive to a specified substance.

Crowley was tested on a match day after Fremantle’s round 17 game on Sunday 13 July, 2014. Subsequent to being issued with the show cause notice, he voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension, which commenced in September 2014.

At a media conference in March this year, Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich confirmed that the specified substance was contained in a painkiller not prescribed by a Fremantle staff member or club doctor.

The matter was subsequently heard by the tribunal on 18 May, 2015.

The sanction announced today by the tribunal means that Crowley is unable to play the game at any level until 24 September 2015. Under the Code, players are eligible to resume training two months before a suspension is completed.

Fremantle president Steve Harris said while the club was disappointed by the poor decisions Crowley made in taking a pain killer containing the specified substance, it had a clear duty of care for the 2012 Doig Medallist, Fremantle Life Member and 188-game veteran who is out of contract at the end of the 2015 season.

“We are extremely disappointed that a senior player well versed in our medical protocols, and with the benefit of regular information and education sessions on AFL policies, would make such a poor choice instead of consulting our club doctors,” Harris said.

“Having said that, no one is more disappointed with the situation than Ryan. It has been a very stressful time for him, and the sanction means that he can’t be considered for selection at any level until the last few weeks of the 2015 finals series.

“Now the matter has been dealt with by the tribunal, our focus, as it has been since the club was first advised last year, will continue to be our duty of care for Ryan as a respected and valued member of our team.

“As we would with any player on our list, we will continue to support and help Ryan.”

Harris said that despite Crowley’s transgression, AFL general manager of football operations Mark Evans had advised the club that it was a leader in the AFL with regard to education about drugs and supplements via the club’s programs.

“Whilst we are comfortable that we have sound practices in place for supplement and drug education and the AFL has also advised that we are a leading club in player education in this area, general manager of football operations Chris Bond has had discussions with the AFL to get feedback on our policies and procedures to ensure that we continue to be best practice in this area,” Harris said.

“We are responsible for not only the professional livelihoods of 45 Fremantle players but also their health and wellbeing. It is incumbent upon the club to ensure that neither is put at risk.

“That is why we will continue to strive to be the very best we can in the vital area of player education.

“This has also been a very sharp reminder to every member of our playing group about their individual obligations and responsibilities.”

Crowley said he deeply regretted his actions.

“I am deeply remorseful and disappointed with the mistake that I made last year,” Crowley said.

“I genuinely never intended to do the wrong thing.

“In the 13 years I have been playing for Fremantle I have never wanted to jeopardise my career and position at the club, or let any of my team mates or fans down. And for that I hope you will accept my deepest and sincerest apology.

“I want to thank Ross Lyon, the club, in particular Chris Bond, the AFLPA and Paul Marsh, my Freo team mates, and all who are involved at Fremantle for your unconditional support. It has been invaluable and I appreciate you all immensely.

“To the Freo fans, I have been overwhelmed by the level of support you have shown me. Thank you for every card, every letter and message. They have not gone unnoticed and I cannot have been any prouder in representing you over the years.

“You have all supported me through what has been a very tough time and I can't thank you enough.

“I'd also like to make a special mention and gives thanks to my family, close friends, my partner Samara who has been my rock, and my team mates for giving me nothing but unwavering support throughout this whole process. For that I am forever grateful.

“That being said, I respect the decision of the tribunal and I look forward, hopefully, to playing for the Fremantle Football Club once again.”

While the suspension effectively rules Crowley out from playing an AFL game until 24 September, the club will not make a decision on his long-term playing future at Fremantle until after the season is completed and as part of the normal list management process.