Carlton players taken to hospital after alleged drug incident

Carlton has been plunged into an off-season crisis after two players were reportedly taken to hospital following an alleged recreational drug incident at a home on Saturday night.

The club confirmed Lachie Cowan and Will Hayward were admitted to hospital on Sunday morning under separate circumstances.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said paramedics responded to an incident in South Yarra about 5.15am, before a man in his 20s was taken to The Alfred Hospital in a stable condition.

9News reported the man is believed to have suffered medical complications after allegedly taking recreational drugs.

The Herald Sun reported another Carlton player attended hospital that same night, unrelated to his teammate’s health issue, after hitting his head in the shower.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Carlton said Cowan and Hayward were admitted to hospital under “separate circumstances”.

“The Carlton Football Club can confirm that Lachie Cowan and Will Hayward were admitted to hospital under separate circumstances on Sunday morning,” the statement read.

“Cowan received medical treatment and underwent observation, before being discharged a short time later.

“Will Hayward experienced a minor cut to the head after a fall, and admitted himself to hospital where he received stitches before being discharged.

“The Club has been in regular contact with both players, with priority for their wellbeing and both players have now received the necessary care relating to their separate circumstances.”

The AFL and Victoria Police have all been contacted for further comment.

With Carlton’s players on their post-season break, the AFL’s updated illicit drugs policy is again in focus ahead of changes from the 2026–27 off-season.

The new model puts health support first, replacing the strike system with hair testing twice a season and treatment for players who return a positive result.

Repeated positives can lead to stronger intervention, including a ruling that a player is unfit to play, while separate rules for public incidents and anti-doping remain in place.