Sydney Swans player Caiden Cleary has been suspended and fined by the AFL after NSW police determined that he was in possession of an illicit substance late last year.
The 19-year-old was found guilty of conduct unbecoming by the AFL. He has been suspended for two matches and received a $5000 fine, all of which is suspended.
Caiden Cleary will miss the first two matches of the 2025 season. Credit: Getty Images
Cleary, who has played five games with the Swans, received a criminal infringement notice from NSW police for possessing an illicit substance. He received a $400 fine from police and will have no criminal conviction recorded.
“AFL players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances,” AFL general counsel Stephen Meade said. “[They] have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their careers to uphold community expectations.”
The charges relate to an incident in Sydney’s eastern suburbs during 2024, according to the Swans.
“Cleary is extremely remorseful and has cooperated fully with the AFL investigation,” a team spokesperson said.
“The club is extremely disappointed and does not condone nor tolerate illicit drug behaviour. The Sydney Swans will continue to educate our players on the pitfalls of such behaviour.”
Cleary was selected as pick 24 in the 2023 draft, and made his debut last year. He was named as an emergency in Sydney’s squad for the grand final squad, which they lost to the Brisbane Lions by 60 points.
