Sydney Swans forward Tom Papley has allegedly returned a preliminary positive result for methamphetamine during a roadside drug test.
The 30-year-old was stopped by NSW Police on Lang Road in Centennial Park at about 10.30am on Monday during a licence check.
Papley was issued with a court attendance notice for allegedly driving while his licence was suspended over an unpaid parking fine.
He also underwent a random roadside drug test, which produced a preliminary positive indication. A second sample was collected for laboratory analysis, with the result not expected for at least four weeks.
The Swans said Papley informed the club ‘immediately’, while the AFL was also notified.
Sydney confirmed the incident in a statement released on Wednesday evening.
Tom Papley (above) allegedly returned a preliminary positive result in a roadside drug test
‘Papley was issued with a court attendance notice for driving with a suspended licence due to non-payment of a parking fine,’ a Sydney Swans spokesperson said.
‘During the roadside stop, Papley completed a random drug test which returned a positive preliminary test indication.
‘A second sample was taken for analysis. The results from the second test are expected to take at least four weeks.
‘Papley immediately advised the club regarding this matter and the club subsequently informed the AFL.’
The club said it would not comment further while the police process was underway.
Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich said he was ‘disappointed’ by the preliminary positive test and the revelation that Papley’s licence had been suspended.
‘We’re obviously bitterly disappointed that we’re here talking about this today. We’re really disappointed in Tom himself and we voiced that pretty directly to him yesterday,’ he said.
‘We apologise unreservedly to our members, fans and corporate partners. We’ve let them down again and we must be better. It’s a really disappointing time for the footy club.
Papley (pictured with wife Annie) has played for the Swans since 2016
‘But given this is a police matter, we cannot make any further comment until such time as the secondary sample comes through and that test is validated.
‘We’ll work through that process over the next period and we’ll update everyone after that.’
Papley has not been charged with a drug-driving offence. Daily Mail does not suggest that the preliminary roadside indication proves he committed such an offence.
Sydney selected Papley in the 2015 rookie draft, and he made his AFL debut the following year.
He played at least 20 matches in each of his first four seasons and has kicked 337 goals across 216 games.
Papley has appeared in the 2016, 2022 and 2024 grand finals.
The Swans were again premiership contenders this year, reaching the preliminary final after a turbulent end to their season.
Sydney lost to Fremantle on September 18, one month after the team came under scrutiny over an alleged incident at the Pullman Hotel in east Melbourne.
Papley was not involved in that alleged incident.
Victoria Police began an investigation after receiving a report of sexual assault at the hotel in the early hours of August 17, following the Swans’ match against Essendon.
The full details of the allegations have not been made public, and the Victoria Police investigation remains ongoing.
Lawyers representing two of the women recently sent letters to players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and Nick Blakey.
James Jordon, another player linked to the saga, did not receive a letter.
All five players have denied the sexual assault allegations, and no charges have been laid. Daily Mail does not suggest that any of the players committed the alleged offence. The matter remains under police investigation.
The women are understood to be considering a civil claim.
READ MORE: Women involved in Sydney Swans hotel scandal send letters of demand to four current players – as well as the club and a retired player
