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Gold Coast Suns AFL player faces test ban

3 minute read

Gold Coast AFL player Brayden Crossley has reportedly tested positive to cocaine and faces a four year ban.

BRAYDEN CROSSLEY of the Suns warms up for the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at MS in Ballarat, Australia.
BRAYDEN CROSSLEY of the Suns warms up for the AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at MS in Ballarat, Australia. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Gold Coast Suns' Brayden Crossley faces a four year ban after reportedly testing positive to cocaine.

The Suns on Thursday confirmed the 19-year-old had produced an "adverse analytical finding" in a test that was believed to be taken after an NEAFL match in May.

Crossley has not played senior football this year after 10 matches for the Suns in his 2018 AFL debut season.

"We have been notified that Brayden Crossley has received notification of an adverse analytical finding from a recent test by ASADA under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code," a Suns statement said.

"The club supports the role of ASADA and will fully cooperate during this process.

"We are continuing to provide Brayden with wellbeing support and want to stress that it would be inappropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the matter at this time."

Crossley will reportedly "vigorously defend" himself in the ASADA case.

"Brayden has sought independent legal advice to assist him going forward," the Suns said.

"The club's public commentary on this issue is governed by strict protocols, and as such under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code we are unable to provide any further commentary whilst the process unfolds."

The AFL Players' Association said they were aware of the ASADA investigation involving Crossley.

"ASADA's processes are strictly confidential and we urge media not to speculate on the details of this case, nor pre-empt the outcome, until the facts are clear," it said in a statement.

"It's likely that significant time will elapse before a resolution is reached and we will continue to provide the player with legal and wellbeing support."

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