Collingwood youngster Jack Ginnivan has confessed to taking illicit drugs, with the polarising Magpies forward suspended by the AFL for conduct unbecoming.
The 20-year-old has been suspended for two matches and fined $5000, which is suspended, for conduct unbecoming.
Ginnnivan has admitted to taking an illicit substance last month in Torquay.
"The AFL confirms Collingwood player Jack Ginnivan has been found guilty of conduct unbecoming and has been suspended for Rounds One and Two of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season," a league statement reads.
"The AFL IU was contacted by the Collingwood Football Club on Thursday evening in relation to vision that had emerged of Ginnivan with an illicit substance while in Torquay in January.
"The IU has interviewed Ginnivan who admitted to the illicit substance use.
"Ginnivan will also not be available to participate in Collingwood's upcoming match simulation vs Carlton (Friday 24 February) and in the AFL's official practice round of games (Thursday 2 March vs Hawthorn). He will not be eligible for VFL selection at any time during his suspension.
"A $5000 (suspended) fine has also been applied and his conduct constitutes a notifiable adverse finding under the AFL's Illicit Drugs Policy.
"Ginnivan will be required to undertake further education above the current mandated training on illicit substances and its effects."
The ban sees Ginnivan suspended for his side's opening games against Geelong and Port Adelaide.
In a statement of his own, Ginnivan apologised for his actions and said he is "determined to learn from" his mistakes.
โI want to take ownership of my actions in the vision which shows me with an illicit substance,โ Ginnivan said.
โI understand that as an AFL player I have standards I need to meet and, on this occasion, I have fallen well short of the standards expected of me as a footballer and as a representative of Collingwood.
โI am truly sorry to everyone that I have let down with my behaviour. Firstly, my family and the Collingwood football family who each support me so well on and off the field. To our club members and fans, our sponsors and the AFL, I am aware my poor decision-making has impacted on all of you and for that I also apologise.
โI have made mistakes along the way and I'm determined to learn from them in order to be the best person and footballer I can be to avoid letting people down which is what I have done here.โ
Collingwood football manager Graham Wright said the Magpies are disappointed in Ginnivan's behaviour.
โAs a Club, we are incredibly disappointed to have observed vision showing Jack Ginnivan with an illicit substance," Wright said in a club statement.
โThe vision was captured by a member of the public following the Club's pre-season camp in January and was distributed to media in recent days.
โAll players and staff are continually educated on appropriate behaviours and we expect everyone at our Clubย to uphold the highest of standards as representatives of the wider Collingwood community, our Members, supporters and corporate partners.
โWe will continue to work closely with Jack, who has owned his behaviour, to provide him with the support and continual education he needs as he continues his journey at Collingwood.โ
Ginnivan has played 28 games for Collingwood since joining the club through the 2020 Rookie Draft.
The small forward enjoyed a stellar second season at the club, booting 40 goals and also won the 2022 ANZAC Day Medal in Round 6.
He played in the club's intraclub match on Friday afternoon, however did not finish the match after suffering a cut to his leg.
