Important Demon facing two-year drugs ban following “shock” ruling

Melbourne utility Joel Smith could face a two-year ban after a Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) report on Wednesday found him guilty of taking a performance-enhancing drug.

Smith tested positive for cocaine in a sample taken after the Dees’ Round 23 clash against Hawthorn last year, with the in-competition positive test being deemed performance enhancing.

“It is a bit of a shock,” The Age football reporter Pete Ryan said on Wide World of Sports.

“The situation Joel Smith finds himself in is potentially career-ending.”

Smith is expected to appeal the ruling, but he remains provisionally suspended until a decision is reached.

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