Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan has been suspended for four matches, admitting to taking illicit drugs.

The goal-kicking young gun, 20, admitted on Saturday that he had taken drugs recently in the Torquay Hotel toilets – on a day off after the club’s pre-season camp on Victoria’s Surf Coast. Ginnivan said “a few drinks and a lack of judgement” had let him down.

Seven News was provided with video of Ginnivan at the hotel, sparking an investigation from the network.

Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan.Credit:Getty Images

Ginnivan will miss two practice matches, and the opening two rounds of the home-and-away season with games against Geelong and Port Adelaide.

“I feel like I have let 44 of my best mates down. I am so remorseful,” said Ginnivan, who was injured in Friday evening’s intra-club practice match.

“I want to take ownership of my actions in the vision which shows me with an illicit substance. I understand that as an AFL player, I have standards I need to meet and, on this occasion, I have fallen well short of the standards expected of me as a footballer and as a representative of Collingwood.

“I am truly sorry to everyone that I have let down with my behaviour. Firstly, my family and the Collingwood football family who each support me so well on and off the field. To our club members and fans, our sponsors and the AFL, I am aware my poor decision-making has impacted on all of you and, for that, I also apologise.”

The dashing half-forward, who courted controversy last year for his ducking when tackled, booted 40 goals in 23 matches, as the Magpies fell just short of the grand final.

“I have made mistakes along the way, and I’m determined to learn from them in order to be the best person and footballer I can be to avoid letting people down which is what I have done here,” Ginnivan said.

The AFL released a statement on Saturday night, confirming its integrity unit had investigated the incident. Ginnivan has received one strike under the league’s illicit drugs code.

“The AFL confirms Collingwood player Jack Ginnivan has been found guilty of conduct unbecoming and has been suspended for rounds one and two of the 2023 AFL premiership season,” the AFL said.

Jack Ginnivan.Credit:AFL Photos / Getty Images

“The AFL IU was contacted by the Collingwood Football Club on Thursday evening in relation to vision that had emerged of Ginnivan with an illicit substance while in Torquay in January. The IU has interviewed Ginnivan who admitted to the illicit substance use.

“Ginnivan will also not be available to participate in Collingwood’s upcoming match simulation versus Carlton (Friday 24 February) and in the AFL’s official practice round of games (Thursday 2 March vs Hawthorn). He will not be eligible for VFL selection at any time during his suspension.

“A $5000 (suspended) fine has also been applied and his conduct constitutes a notifiable adverse finding under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy. Ginnivan will be required to undertake further education above the current mandated training on illicit substances and its effects.”

The AFL’s executive general manager Andrew Dillon said: “The AFL wishes to reiterate that AFL players are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances, and have a responsibility to themselves, their clubs and their professional careers to uphold community expectations.”

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