'We don't have a problem': Melbourne footy boss Alan Richardson shuts down drug culture allegations
Melbourne footy boss Alan Richardson has shut down suggestions the Demons are struggling with a drug culture, despite trafficking allegations against forward Joel Smith.
Victoria Police confirmed they are looking into allegations, after Smith was served three Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) for alleged "trafficking or attempted trafficking" of cocaine to third parties.
In an anti-doping context, trafficking may include an athlete "selling, delivering or distributing" any prohibited substance.
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Reports allege Smith sent text messages to Demons teammates offering them cocaine.
Despite the issues at the club, Richardson declared the Demons simply do not have a drug problem.
"No, we don't. We've certainly had an incident with respect to Joel that's still being investigated," Richardson told Kane Cornes on SEN radio on Friday.
Joel Smith has been served three Anti-Doping Rule Violations. Quinn Rooney via Getty Images
Richardson confirmed the club is at "arm's length" from Smith, but will continue to support the troubled forward during this period.
Smith is yet to respond to the allegations.
"We don't get enormous information, at this stage they are still allegations and his legal team are working through that. Our role with Joel is almost at arm's length from that perspective. It's closer in terms of supporting him," he said.
Despite his stance that the club is still in a strong off-field position, Richardson acknowledged Melbourne has been battling a plethora of issues.
Those issues have been headlined by troubled star Clayton Oliver, who has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, including his early exit from the club's training camp at the end of 2023, following intense trade speculation as well as a brief hospital visit.
There is no suggestion Oliver's issues relate to drugs.
"No, we've had a couple of issues and we've been working through some things with Clayton (Oliver) and I don't want to go into too much detail there," Richardson said.
"I think we all know that's quite a unique case and he's had some challenges, he's going really well now and whilst there's still a bit of work to do, that's going well."
Richardson declared that his experience across multiple AFL clubs proves that the Demons do not have a direct drug problem, however conceded that the club will continue to face "challenges", but won't shy away from the scrutiny that may bring.
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"I've worked at eight footy clubs, so I can really confidently say to you no, we don't have a problem," he said.
"Have we had some challenges? Yes. Will we continue to have some challenges? Yes. As will every footy club.
Alan Richardson declared that his Demons have no drug culture issues. Getty
"We've got 45 young blokes between 18 and 32. They're going to every now and then make blues and really importantly we'll then deal with those situations so it's really clear to everyone in our footy club that this is important to us in terms of playing and living the Melbourne way."
It comes after captain Max Gawn admitted this week that he feels \ in the wake of these off field incidents.
"We have issues galore at our football club... We have a leadership meeting every week, and we have since I've been at the club," Gawn told Triple M radio on Wednesday.
"Certainly not drug culture. We can only really go off the evidence.
"We have 45 guys, and I understand it's two guys constantly in the news. But I do agree, if there's two, there may be issues.
"So I am working on that. What I am seeing is they're very isolated incidents… but I may be missing stuff.
"I was pretty flat yesterday… I've done three press conferences where there's been a lot going on."
Melbourne will take on Sydney at the SCG as part of the AFL's new Opening Round, to be played the week before round one of the 2024 season.
