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Mathew Stokes has received a number of sanctions from Geelong

• Drug policy works: AFL
• Forward stood down after drugs charges

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GEELONG forward Mathew Stokes will not play AFL football until at least round eight after his recent arrest for possessing and trafficking cocaine.

Suspending Stokes indefinitely upon the February 3 charges, the Cats handed down their full sanctions on Monday afternoon.

A meeting of the leadership group helped determine Stokes' penalty, with his conditions including:

• Suspension from consideration for selection in the club’s AFL team until round eight, 2010. The suspension will be served in the following manner:
  - Until round one, Stokes can train at the club only when no other players are present.
  - From round one - round four of the AFL season, Stokes can train with the club’s VFL listed players only.
  - From round five - round seven of the AFL season, Stokes can train with the VFL squad and will be eligible to play in the VFL.
  - From round eight, Stokes will be eligible to train with the full squad and for selection in the club’s AFL team.
• A fine of $5000, the maximum sanction under the AFL players' code of conduct.
• To find full-time employment and conduct any training out of working hours between now and round four.
• To establish a relationship with a drug-related community program and assist with that program on an ongoing basis.

The Cats have also been advised to not make further comment pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Stokes was arrested and charged as follow-up to drug raids on four properties in the Geelong area on January 29. He received bail and will appear in court on March 12.

Police alleged Stokes purchased one gram of cocaine on January 19 from a Geelong nightclub bouncer.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook expressed his disappointment in Stokes' charges last week and said the club would not rush in its determination of a penalty.

Stokes has played 71 games and kicked 108 goals for the Cats since his 2006 debut.

A member of Geelong's 2007 premiership team, he withdrew from last year's preliminary final and was unable to force his way back into the eventual flag side.

The popular player was recruited by the Cats from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens.