AFL 2026: Carlton defender Lachie Cowan apologises for drug induced episode

Carlton defender Lachie Cowan has apologised for his illicit drug use, describing last weekend’s incident as “a wake-up call”.

Cowan was taken to the hospital after suffering what was described as a medical episode in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Carlton investigated the incident and returned its findings to the AFL.

Cowan, 21, was banned for the first two matches of 2027, fined $5000 and will undertake further education regarding illicit substances and their risks.

Will Hayward, who admitted himself to hospital on the same night, has not been issued any punishment.

Cowan’s ban mirrors the previous “conduct unbecoming” sanctions handed to Bailey Smith and Jack Ginnivan in previous years.

“I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation,” Cowan said.

“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 OK.

“This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.”

The AFL said Cowan’s matter would also “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 operations officer Tom Harley said.

“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.”