Lions coach Michael Voss says there is no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
Brisbane Lions players with 2002 premiership cup. Picture: Jody Darcy Source: Herald Sun
EXPLOSIVE allegations have emerged that the reason for a Brisbane Lions player's absence from some games last decade was falsified to cover-up an illicit drug issue.
A former Lions staffer told The Courier-Mail a player missed specific matches in this period because of the illicit drugs issue.
It is just one of several allegations to emerge that have prompted the AFL to open an investigation into behaviours at the club between 2002 and 2009.
The AFL confirmed yesterday the league's integrity unit would investigate.
It follows claims by Jason McGrath, the cousin of premiership player Ash McGrath, that he was involved in match-fixing, illegal gambling and was a drug supplier to six Lions players from that period who were regular users of speed, ecstacy and marijuana.
The Courier-Mail revealed these claims yesterday and was then contacted by a former staffer who worked at the Lions for several years.
The ex-staffer said he could confirm many of Jason McGrath's allegations surrounding drug use.
Another former employee also made the revelation that while at the Lions he was told the reason for a player's absence from the side was a fabrication to cover up an issue with illicit drugs.
Last week AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed players in the AFL have been repeatedly forced to miss matches because of serious breaches of the league's illicit drug policy.
The Lions reacted angrily to the decision by The Courier-Mail to publish Jason McGrath's allegations.
"These claims from a 'self-confessed drug dealer' are completely unsubstantiated and do not deserve publicity," the Lions said in a statement.
"We have no reason to believe the word of a 'self-confessed drug dealer', but if anyone, including The Courier-Mail, has any evidence with regards to this, or any other matter, it should be referred to either the AFL integrity unit or the Queensland Police.''
AFL corporate affairs manager James Tonkin said the league had opened a probe into events at the club between 2002-09.
"We don't comment on unsubstantated claims, but the matter has been referred to the integrity unit,'' Tonkin said.
The AFL confirmed the League's integrity officer Brett Clothier will also investigate a 2003 game involving the Lions with regards to match-fixing claims.
The Lions received an irate phone call from the AFL in 2003 following the game.
The AFL's Integrity Unit was not established until 2008.
Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes declined to return calls from The Courier-Mail yesterday requesting further comment.
The Courier-Mail has alerted the AFL to the latest allegations, but have protected the identity of our sources.
It can be revealed that one person has made himself available for a confidential interview with the AFL's integrity unit and another is considering his position.
Other sources declined.
Last week, The Courier-Mail contacted several former players and staff in an attempt to interview about Jason McGrath's claims.
None of the sources had proof of any drug-taking, but each claimed they were aware of drug use by some or all of the players from the 2002-09 period mentioned by Jason McGrath.
Former Lions chairman Graeme Downie said he was unconcerned about the allegations.
"I never heard questions about any matches and I never heard any rumours of drugs during my time,'' Downie said.
Lions coach Michael Voss last night told Channel 7 there was no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge.
Voss captained Brisbane in each of their three premiership years in 2001-03 and until his retirement in 2006.
"You would know, when you are amongst the players, you would know,'' Voss said.
"If there is evidence to suggest that we would encourage you to go to the AFL integrity office or Queensland police.''
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