The AFL confirms Sydney Swans AFLW players Alexia Hamilton and Paige Sheppard have been found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for two AFLW matches.
The pair were charged by police in December 2023 after being found in possession of an illicit substance while outside a hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Both have since appeared in court where they received a reprimand.
The Sydney Swans notified the AFL Integrity Unit (AFLIU) when the club became aware of the matter late last year. Following their court appearances, the AFLIU interviewed both players who admitted to possession of an illicit substance.
The AFL found that Hamilton and Sheppard committed a breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), which states; A Person must not engage in conduct which is unbecoming or likely to prejudice the interests or reputation of the AFL or to bring the game of football into disrepute.
AFLW players are not currently subject to the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy framework, so no notifiable adverse finding will be registered against either player.
AFLW players are drug tested as part of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code and Hamilton and Sheppard have not tested positive for any prohibited substance under that Code.
“AFLW players, in fact all players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances,” AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said.
“While Alexia and Paige have been extremely remorseful and apologetic for their actions, they have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs, and their professional careers to uphold community expectations.
“Our review, in collaboration with the AFLPA, of the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy continues. The AFL’s expectation is that that AFLW players will be part of any future policy. In these circumstances, both players have been dealt with under the AFL Rules and the accountability both publicly and privately is appropriate.”