The Australian Football League (AFL) has handed down a two-match suspension to Sydney Swans young gun Caiden Cleary for conduct unbecoming after the 19-year-old was caught attempting to purchase illicit drugs late last year. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Swans organization and raised serious questions about player accountability and the efficacy of the league’s illicit drugs policy.
Promising Career Derailed
Cleary, a highly touted first-round draft pick in 2023 from the Swans academy, had shown flashes of brilliance in his debut season, playing five senior games for the club. Many saw the talented forward as a cornerstone of Sydney’s next generation. But those high hopes have been temporarily dashed by this off-field indiscretion.
December 2022 Incident
The AFL’s investigation revealed that in December 2022, police caught Cleary red-handed trying to buy drugs in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. He received a criminal infringement notice for possession of an illicit substance and a $400 fine, though no criminal conviction was recorded.
Compounding the issue was Cleary’s failure to immediately notify the club of the incident. As a first-year player, he may have feared repercussions, but the attempt to sweep it under the rug only intensified the eventual fallout.
Cooperation and Contrition
To his credit, since the truth came to light, Cleary has been forthcoming and remorseful. The Swans stated that the youngster “is extremely remorseful and has cooperated fully with the AFL investigation.” His willingness to own the mistake and accept the consequences is an important first step on the road to redemption.
“Cleary is extremely remorseful and has cooperated fully with the AFL investigation. The club is extremely disappointed and does not condone nor tolerate illicit drug behaviour.”
Sydney Swans club statement
Suspended Fine and Sentence
In addition to the two-match ban that will see Cleary miss blockbuster fixtures against Hawthorn and Brisbane, as well as being ineligible for the preseason community series, the AFL imposed a suspended $5000 fine. This sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated while still giving a young player the chance to redeem himself.
Education and Rehabilitation
The Swans have vowed to “continue to educate [their] players on the pitfalls of such behavior.” For Cleary, this process will be critical. He must demonstrate through his actions, not just words, that he has learned from this mistake and is committed to being a better role model moving forward.
As AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade emphasized:
“AFL players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs, and their careers to uphold community expectations.”
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade
Cleary’s Path Forward
While deeply disappointing, this incident need not define Caiden Cleary. At just 19, he has ample time and opportunity to make amends, rebuild trust, and get his promising career back on track. The support of his club and the League will be paramount.
However, the road ahead will not be easy. Cleary must demonstrate genuine remorse, unwavering commitment to his rehabilitation and education, and most importantly, a consistent pattern of responsible behavior and decision-making. Only then can he hope to put this regrettable chapter behind him.
A Stark Reminder
This incident serves as a stark reminder to all AFL players, both current and aspiring, of the immense responsibilities they bear. As high-profile athletes and role models, their actions, both on and off the field, are subject to intense scrutiny. The public, the clubs, and the league all expect exemplary conduct.
While the AFL’s illicit drugs policy aims to balance education, rehabilitation, and consequences, it’s clear there is still work to be done in driving the message home. One can only hope that Caiden Cleary’s misstep, and his ensuing contrition and commitment to change, might serve as a cautionary tale for others.
As the saying goes, it’s not our mistakes that define us, but how we respond to them and the lessons we take from them. For Cleary, this is a critical juncture. How he navigates the coming weeks and months will speak volumes about his character and maturity.
The AFL, the Sydney Swans, and footy fans everywhere will be watching closely, hoping to see the young man make the most of his second chance and emerge stronger, wiser, and fully committed to being the best version of himself, both as a player and a person. The road to redemption starts now.
