Young Sydney midfielder Caiden Cleary has been handed a suspension by the AFL after being found guilty of "conduct unbecoming" for a drug-related matter.
Cleary has been handed a two-game ban by the AFL due to an "Adverse Finding under the AFL's Illicit Drugs Policy" following an incident in December, with the 19-year-old found in possession of an illicit substance.
Cleary has received a criminal infringement notice and a $400 fine from NSW Police, while the AFL has imposed a suspended $5,000 fine.
The two-game suspension will mean Cleary will miss the Swans' first two AFL games against Hawthorn and Brisbane, as well as the club's upcoming Community Seris game against Gold Coast.
"The AFL confirms Sydney Swans player Caiden Cleary has been found guilty of conduct unbecoming in breach of the AFL Rules and has been suspended for two AFL matches," an AFL statement read.
"Cleary will not be available to play in Sydney's โOpening Round' match vs Hawthorn or in their Round 1 match vs Brisbane Lions in the upcoming AFL Season. He will also not be able to play in Sydney's AAMI Community Series Match.
"Cleary's conduct constitutes an Adverse Finding under the AFL's Illicit Drugs Policy additionally resulting in the imposition of a $5,000 (suspended) fine on him.
"Following an incident in December 2024, Cleary's conduct was investigated by the NSW Police resulting in him receiving a criminal infringement notice for possession of an illicit substance.
"In connection with the criminal infringement notice, Cleary received a $400 fine with no criminal conviction recorded."
Sydney have stated Cleary is "extremely remorseful" and that the club itself is "extremely disappointed and does not condone nor tolerate illicit drug behaviour".
Cleary, a product of the Swans Academy, played five games at AFL level last year - his first in the top flight after being drafted in the first-round of the 2023 AFL Draft.
