Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin insists there is no drug culture at the AFL club, despite Joel Smith's anti-doping scandal casting a shadow on the Demons' pursuit of a premiership.
Last month, Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) charged three anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code for allegedly “smuggling or attempted trafficking” of cocaine to a third party. Smith was indicted.
Smith also received another ADRV notice on September 9, 2022 for possession of cocaine.
The 27-year-old has been suspended since October after being informed he had tested positive for cocaine following the Demons' Round 20 win over Hawthorn on August 20.
The SIA investigation into Smith is ongoing. If found guilty of human trafficking or attempted human trafficking, he could be suspended for at least four years.
Smith's problems come as close friend and star midfielder Clayton Oliver battled personal health issues throughout the offseason before returning to the Demons' training program in January.
Goodwin has kept a low profile over the summer, but addressed the media ahead of the Demons' season opener against Sydney on Thursday night and rejected suggestions there was a drug culture at the club.
“Yes, we've had some challenges, but we've been pretty open about those challenges with Joel and in a different sense with Creighton,” Goodwin said Monday. Ta.
“But no, we don't have a culture in that (drug) field. The culture we have is high performance.
“While we have met the challenges we have faced, we have also pursued what we truly value: a high-performance culture.
“You're going to see a team that practices very hard today, and hopefully you'll see a team that plays the same way over the weekend.”
Goodwin said he spoke with Smith and received an apology from the 27-year-old, who played in 42 games for the Demons over the past seven seasons.
“I've talked to Joel and he's apologized for his actions, so there's definitely a cleansing (side),” Goodwin said.
“What I know is that he has had great support from this football club and has carried it through to the end.
“The investigation is ongoing and will be completed in time, but all persons of interest have spoken to Joel.”
Goodwin's response to questions about Melbourne's drug culture was in line with club captain Max Ghosn and director of football Alan Richardson, who denied there was a problem at the Demons.
Late last year, Melbourne CEO Gary Peart said the club's culture was “the best I've seen in 40 years” in football.
