Melbourne captain admits ‘strained’ relationship with suspended teammate

Melbourne captain Max Gawn admits his relationship with exiled teammate Joel Smith is ‘strained’ as a result of several drugs allegations made against him.

Smith remains provisionally suspended for a match day positive cocaine test, as well as now facing accusations of drug trafficking.

Gawn said while he’s still checking in with his teammate, there’s only so much he’s allowed to do considering the current suspension.

Click PLAY to hear Sam’s full interview with Max Gawn on 3AW

“We’re not allowed to train or talk football with Joel (Smith),” he told Sam McClure on Wide World of Sports.

“That puts a strain on our relationship. But we’re allowed to check in and do all that and that’s something I’ve been doing.”

Image: Daniel Pockett/Getty