Melbourne Demons forward Joel Smith’s AFL career appears to be over following reports of a four-year ban for cocaine use and attempted drug trafficking. The 28-year-old player’s suspension, expected to be announced Friday by the AFL and Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), comes amid a tumultuous period for the Melbourne club.

Smith tested positive for cocaine after a match in August 2023, leading to an extensive SIA investigation. The probe uncovered text messages showing Smith allegedly offered cocaine to at least four Melbourne teammates, according to the Herald Sun.

The severity of the punishment far exceeds what Smith’s legal team had hoped for, as they were initially seeking a ban of just three months.

The announcement coincides with Melbourne Demons chief executive Gary Pert’s decision to step down, adding to the club’s mounting challenges.

Shaun Smith, Joel’s father and former Melbourne player, expressed concern about his son’s treatment earlier this year. “It feels like my son is being manipulated into being the fall guy here, in order to protect the AFL brand,” the elder Smith said. “He’s being made a scapegoat, and I’m really worried for him.”

Sources indicate Smith had no history of drug use before joining Melbourne as a rookie in 2016. The investigation’s findings and subsequent ban represent one of the most severe punishments handed down in recent AFL history.

The SIA investigation has reportedly left several Melbourne teammates anxious about their potential involvement, though no additional players have been named in connection with the case.

The four-year ban effectively ends Smith’s professional football career, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the forward who joined the club eight years ago.