Joel Smith has been banned from playing any form of Australian rules football until 2028.

Smith, who has made 42 AFL appearances for Melbourne, returned a positive test for cocaine following the Demons’ win over Hawthorn in round 23 last year.

He was later hit by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) with charges of trafficking or attempted trafficking of cocaine to third parties.

The AFL announced Smith’s punishment, in connection with five anti-doping rule violations under the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code, on Friday.

The league said in a statement that Smith’s suspension has been agreed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), SIA and the AFL with Joel Smith.

Smith is banned until January 9, 2028, but can return to training in November, 2027.