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Lachie Cowan will miss the opening two matches of the 2027 home-and-away season. (Getty Images/AFL Photos: Graham Denholm)
In short:
Carlton's Lachie Cowan has been suspended by the AFL for two matches.
The suspension follows an investigation in his use of an illicit substance last weekend.
Cowan has issued an apology, describing the incident as a "wake-up call".
The AFL has suspended Carlton's Lachie Cowan for two matches following an investigation into his use of an illicit substance last weekend.
The league said "the circumstances in which the matter subsequently became public" were also the subject of the investigation.
Cowan was found guilty of conduct unbecoming.
He will be suspended for the first two home-and-away matches of the 2027 season and issued with a $5,000 fine.
"I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation," Cowan said in a Carlton statement.
"I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club.
"I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was okay.
"This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this."
The Blues said Cowan's wellbeing remained a priority.
"Most importantly we are thankful that Lachie is okay and received the medical attention he needed," Carlton general manager of football Chris Davies said.
"We have been in regular contact with Lachie this week and he has taken ownership of his mistake.
"Lachie understands that it is his responsibility to ensure he makes better decisions moving forward."
Cowan will be required to undertake further education above the current mandated training on illicit substances and their effects.
The league said the matter would "constitute a notifiable adverse finding under the AFL's illicit drugs policy".
"AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations," AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said in a league statement.
"They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances.
"Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions."
The AFL confirmed its new illicit drugs policy would come into effect in January.
The league said all players would be hair tested upon their return to training in January, "with readings going as far back as three to six months prior".