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AFL Player Joel Smith Eyes Return After Lengthy Drug Ban
Former Melbourne Demons player Joel Smith, who received a significant drug ban in 2023, has publicly stated his aspiration to return to the Australian Football League (AFL). The ex-AFL star is hoping for a comeback following his four-year suspension for violating anti-doping regulations.
Ex-Demons Player Aims for AFL Comeback Post-Suspension
Smith, 29, received a substantial ban after reportedly testing positive for cocaine on a match day in 2023. Further investigations revealed text messages where he allegedly solicited teammates about sharing drugs he had obtained, leading to a trafficking charge under the AFL anti-doping code.
Details of the Suspension
He is ineligible to participate in any World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA)-compliant competitions until January 9, 2028. However, Smith can resume training in November 2027.
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Future AFL Aspirations
Despite the ban extending until he is 31, the son of former Melbourne and North Melbourne forward Shaun Smith, has voiced a strong desire to resume his football career.
“I’m aiming to return to football,” Smith stated on The Watch podcast. “Whether it’s in the AFL or at a local level, I will definitely be playing football again in some capacity.”
He added, “I’ll be a young 31. The benefit is my body hasn’t endured the typical wear and tear.”
Former Melbourne player Joel Smith received a four-year suspension from the sport after testing positive for cocaine on match day in 2023.
Smith, pictured with his sister Amy, emphasizes his commitment to fatherhood and his hopes to return to the AFL after his suspension concludes.
“There are still two and a half years [of the ban] remaining, so I will focus on maintaining fitness, working, and being a dedicated father during this time,” Smith explained.
“I haven’t thoroughly investigated the pathway back to the AFL, nor have I spoken to anyone about it yet. It’s something I intend to explore more as the time approaches. For now, my priorities are work, family, and maintaining a positive and healthy lifestyle.”
“As the return date nears, I will begin asking questions and looking into the specifics. It’s definitely a goal in the back of my mind to give it another shot.”
“Even returning for four years, until I’m around 36 years old. If I could contribute to a team contending for a premiership, that would be fantastic. I believe I could offer a lot in four years.”
“The key is to stay healthy and keep my body in good condition. Because in football, you truly never know.”
“If an opportunity arises, it would be incredible, but local football is always a viable option too.”
Background of the Ban
Smith’s initial positive test occurred after the Demons’ round 23 victory over Hawthorn on August 20, 2023.
Subsequent investigations uncovered text messages from Smith referencing cocaine use.
Smith, pictured with his fiancée Elise, will be 31 when his ban concludes but believes he will still be capable of returning to the league.
Reasons for Joel Smith’s Suspension
Smith’s ban was imposed due to:
- Presence of Cocaine and its metabolite, Benzoylecgonine, detected in a sample collected during an in-competition doping control test on August 20, 2023, following the match between Melbourne and Hawthorn at the MCG.
- Trafficking and/or Attempted Trafficking of Cocaine on and/or between July 28, 2022, and July 30, 2022.
- Trafficking and/or Attempted Trafficking of Cocaine on and/or between September 5, 2022, and September 10, 2022.
- Trafficking and/or Attempted Trafficking of Cocaine on and/or between April 12, 2020, and September 7, 2020.
- Possession of Cocaine on September 9, 2022.
The Australian Football Anti-Doping Code defines trafficking in a doping context as ‘Selling, giving, transporting, sending, delivering, or distributing a Prohibited Substance, by an Athlete … to any third party’.