Sydney Swans' Caiden Cleary Suspended After Drug Incident
Alright, let’s talk about the big news surrounding Sydney Swans young gun, Caiden Cleary . The talented 19-year-old has found himself in hot water after being caught up in a drug-related incident back in December. As a result, he’s been hit with a two-game suspension and a hefty $5,000 fine —though that fine has been suspended.
So, here’s what went down. According to reports, Cleary was found in possession of illicit substances by NSW Police , which led to him receiving a criminal infringement notice . While he did get slapped with a $400 fine , there’s no criminal conviction recorded against him. However, his actions were enough to trigger disciplinary action from both the AFL and the Sydney Swans .
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The AFL, in its official statement, made it clear that players are expected to uphold community standards and are well-educated on the dangers of illicit substances. General Counsel Stephen Meade emphasized that players have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs, and their careers . Essentially, this was a serious breach of trust—not just with his team, but with the fans and the sport itself.
As for the Swans , they didn’t hold back either. The club expressed deep disappointment in Cleary’s actions and reiterated that they do not condone or tolerate illicit drug use. While the young player has taken full responsibility and is said to be extremely remorseful , the incident has undoubtedly tarnished his reputation at such an early stage of his career.
For those unfamiliar with Cleary, he’s a Next Generation Academy product who was drafted by the Swans with pick No. 23 in 2023 . He made his debut in Round 15 last season and has played five games so far. With a promising career ahead, this incident is a setback, but the hope is that he’ll learn from it and bounce back stronger.
Looking at the punishment, Cleary will miss Sydney’s Opening Round clash against Hawthorn and Round 1 against Brisbane . He’s also been ruled out of the AAMI Community Series match , meaning he’ll have to watch from the sidelines as his team starts their 2025 campaign.
The big question now is: How will this affect his standing within the team and the AFL? While he’s avoided a criminal conviction, the damage to his reputation is real. Young players making mistakes isn’t new, but in an era where professionalism and integrity are more important than ever, this will be a test of Cleary’s resilience. Will he move past this and rebuild trust, or will this incident linger over his career? Only time will tell.
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