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Did GWS star deliberately evade drug test?

Lachie Whitfield pictured after knocking his head on the turf at a game in June.

Lachie Whitfield pictured after knocking his head on the turf at a game in June. Photo: Adam Trafford/ AFL Media/Getty

Greater Western Sydney star, and former number one AFL draft pick, Lachie Whitfield is reportedly being investigated for deliberately avoiding drug testers with the assistance of former club employees.

Fairfax Media reports the AFL has finished an investigation into whether the 22-year-old stayed at the home of former welfare manager Craig Lambert in May last year in order to avoid an illicit drug test he allegedly feared he may fail.

Whitfield has said he was suffering from a migraine and it was common for players to stay at Lambert’s house rather than stay alone.

However the report claims there are incriminating text messages between Whitfield and his girlfriend.

Whitfield, who re-signed with the Giants for a further two seasons earlier this year, as well as both Lambert and former football manager Graeme Allan face the prospect of two-to-four-year bans if it is proven they conspired to deliberately evade or were complicit in seeking to evade a drug test.

Whitfield, the No.1 pick in the 2012 draft, is expected to be available for selection in next week’s qualifying final against the Sydney Swans.

Greater Western Sydney released the following statement on the allegations:

“The Giants can confirm that mid-way through last year the club received an allegation from a member of the public that warranted investigation,” it read.

“The club notified the AFL and commissioned an independent investigation by a Senior Counsel based on the evidence available.

“The club has been cooperating fully with the AFL who has been conducting a separate investigation. The club is awaiting advice from the AFL to finalise the matter.”

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