Willie Rioli is under ASADA investigation and has been stood down from tomorrow night’s Semi-Final against Geelong.
The West Coast Eagles small forward has returned an adverse finding of a urine sample and has been provisionally suspended.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said:
"Following an out-of-competition doping test on August 20 this year, it is asserted that Rioli’s A sample returned an adverse analytical finding for urine substitution which is a prohibited method under the code.
"ASADA informed the AFL yesterday of the results of the testing of the sample and Rioli was formally notified late last night when he came to Melbourne.
"The provisional suspension is effective immediately. Rioli will not be eligible to compete in AFL competition or any WADA compliant sport including the WAFL while provisionally suspended.
"He will be able to train prior to final determination of the asserted code violation."
The maximum penalty for urine substitution is a four-year ban.
It is understood that Jack Petruccelle has flown to Melbourne to replace Rioli in the side to take on the Cats at the MCG.
Rioli, 24, has kicked 46 goals in 38 games for the Eagles since being drafted in 2016. He was a key member of West Coast's premiership side last year.