Fremantle Dockers have confirmed that Ryan Crowley has returned a positive A and B sample for a prohibited substance, following speculation in the media after he was left out of the team. The midfield player is awaiting a hearing at the Australian Football League (AFL) Tribunal.

Crowley tested positive for the unnamed substance at a Round 17 game against Greater Western Sydney on 13 July 2014. He was informed of the positive A sample on 18 August, and his B sample came back positive on 11 September. He accepted his provisional suspension on 25 September. An infraction notice was sent on 1 October, and a letter detailing the findings of the AFL Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel was sent on 16 October.

“We have been unable to inform our members and supporters of this matter until this time due to the code’s confidentiality requirements”, said Fremantle President Steve Harris in the club’s statement. “We are keen for the matter to go to the AFL Tribunal, but determining a date for a hearing is out of the club’s control”. Crowley said he has appointed independent legal advisors.

The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal will publish its decision regarding supplement use by Essendon players on 31 March. The case involves 34 current and former Essendon players, plus a support person. You can read more about the case here.