Sydney Swans suffer another blow as star Tom Papley allegedly returns positive drug test
Sydney Swans star forward Tom Papley has allegedly returned a positive result in a roadside drug test.
The 30-year-old was pulled over in his car by NSW Police for a licence check on Monday when officers performed the test.
The club then confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
‘Papley was issued with a court attendance notice for driving with a suspended licence due to non-payment of a parking fine,’ a Sydney Swans spokesperson said.
‘During the roadside stop, Papley completed a random drug test which returned a positive preliminary test indication.
‘A second sample was taken for analysis. The results from the second test are expected to take at least four weeks.
Tom Papley (above) allegedly returned a positive result in a roadside drug test
‘Papley immediately advised the club regarding this matter and the club subsequently informed the AFL.’
The club added it would have no further comment until the police investigation was complete.
Papley has played for the Swans since the 2016 Rookie Draft selection.
He played 20 or more senior games in each of his first four seasons and has scored 337 goal across 216 games.
Those matches include the 2016, 2022 and 2024 grand finals.
The Swans have already faced scrutiny this year following an alleged incident at the Pullman East Melbourne Hotel.
Papley (pictured with wife Annie) has played for the Swans since 2016
Three women have claimed they were sexually assaulted inside a room at the hotel in the early hours of August 17, following the Swans’ match against Essendon.
While the extent of the allegations have not been made public, Victoria Police confirmed it was investigating.
Of the five players inside the room, dubbed the ‘Pullman Five’, two have been cleared by police.
No charges have been laid and The Daily Mail does not suggest any wrongdoing.
Letters from lawyers representing two of the women were recently sent to the players and the club.
Regardless of whether criminal charges are pursued, it’s understood the women will take private action.
The Swans made it to the preliminary final but lost to Fremantle on September 18, a month after the alleged incident.
READ MORE: Women involved in Sydney Swans hotel scandal send letters of demand to four current players – as well as the club and a retired player
