Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has opened up on how he was left feeling "angry and frustrated" following Joel Smith's positive drug test, noting he hasn't spoken to the Demons player.
Smith's positive sample came public earlier this month after Sport Integrity Australia notified the AFL of his positive result following the Round 23 Melbourne vs Hawthorn game on Sunday, August 20, 2023.ย
Smith has since been placed under a provisional suspension.
Speaking onย SEN on Tuesday,ย Goodwin revealed how he reacted to Smith's positive drug test and that the pair haven't spoken since.
"When I first heard, I was incredibly angry and frustrated," Goodwin said.ย
"To think that potentially we've got a player in Round 23, on the eve of a finals series, not doing everything possible to help the success of our footy team.
"I can only imagine that same feeling would be permeating through our supporter base.
"I haven't spoken to Joel, I'm going to let the process play out. Because I've got a level of anger and frustration towards it.
"There are the right people that are talking to Joel from a welfare perspective, and working really closely with him around that."
Goodwin himself has been in the media as rumours surrounding alleged drug use have significantly impacted his life. When asked as to whether reports of the use of illicit substancesย were true, Goodwin offered a stern reply to categorically deny the suggestions.ย
"I've said this over a three-year period now and it's pretty ordinary that I'm actually sitting in this position and having to justify that situation," he said.
"I do not use illicit drugs. I give everything I can to my family and my team in a way that dedicates my life to my football club and to have this play out over three years where my reputation has been caught up in a board room battle.
"It has been documented over and over and over again in the public and it's been really hard for myself, my family and enough is enough. I don't use illicit drugs and I never will."
Melbourne have been in the spotlight in recent weeks, with another issue involving midfielder Clayton Oliver. CEO Gary Pert addressed these matters in a statement on Monday, putting Oliver and Joel Smith on notice after their actions did not meet the club's "behavioural expectations".
