ROSS Lyon says he can't plan for Ryan Crowley's availability as he waits for the outcome of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal hearing that begins on Monday.
The hearing was delayed by 17 days after the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority requested more time to prepare for the hearing following written submissions from Crowley's defence team.
Lyon said he was waiting for the hearing to begin just like everyone else.
"It's out of our hands and out of my jurisdiction," Lyon said.
"ASADA aren't ringing me up and saying, 'we haven't heard the case yet but here's what's going to happen Ross'.
"I think I'm sitting here waiting for the outcome like (everyone else)."
Lyon conceded that Crowley would be under a lot of stress, but was looking forward to a resolution.
"It's a significant day," Lyon said.
"He'd like it resolved one way or another. That's certainly going to occur in time. And the first step in that is the hearing on Monday.
"He would be stressed. We don't like to make assumptions, but we know it's a stressful situation. It's disappointing he's found himself in that. But he's worked his way into it, and at the end of the day he's accountable.
"He'll get his opportunity to put his case forward and have a fair hearing, and I think that's all you can ask for."
Crowley has continued to train throughout his provisional suspension, although he was absent this week as he battles a calf problem.
"He's been consistent," Lyon said.
"He's had a few injury concerns, because what he's been doing is he goes away and runs a lot on his own to try and keep up.
"He's just sort of strained his calf so he's been in in rehab a little bit. It's not a good situation. It's disappointing. We lose a valuable player.
"He's been trying to contribute in his way, which is to stay positive, help our young players with our game plan and come to hand, which shows the character of the man.
"He's been challenged but he's still been able to get outside himself and try and contribute in ways to the group, which is really a good sign for him but a really difficult thing to do. It's been good to see really."
