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East Perth recruit Michael Randall could be out of action for the next two seasons after being offered a two-year ban for testing positive to the banned match-day stimulant Phentermine last year.
But Randall could have the penalty reduced to a year or less if he makes a compelling case to Sport Integrity Australia. Lawyers for Randall, who joined the Royals in November after playing 30 matches for Peel, have presented their case to SIA. They are awaiting a response.
The tough midfielder, who trained with Fremantle last pre-season and was considered a strong chance to be drafted, received a provisional suspension late last season.
He had tested positive to Phentermine, a stimulant banned on match days but present in over-the-counter weight loss products, after a game against West Perth at Arena Joondalup in July.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne was banned for four weeks in 2017 after testing positive to Phentermine.
Randall, East Perth, the WA Football Commission and SIA are banned from commenting on the matter under the strict confidentiality provisions of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code.
But East Perth CEO Dean Turner indicated that the club would stand by Randall when the player signed with the Royals last November. “We look forward to him joining the squad when available,” Turner said at the time.
East Perth have had a tumultuous pre-season with fellow recruit Elijah Taylor, who was sacked by Sydney last year over domestic violence allegations, being fined $1400 in the Perth Magistrate’s Court last month over a separate domestic matter.
Taylor left Perth for East Perth in a straight swap for ruckman Ajang Ajang.
IMAGE: FILE
