CARLTON defender Lachie Cowan has been suspended for two matches, while teammate Will Hayward has escaped sanction after the pair were hospitalised in separate incidents last Sunday morning.

Cowan has also been fined $5000, and has received a 'notifiable adverse finding', or strike, under the AFL's illicit drugs policy. He must also undergo further education on illicit substances and their effects. 

The AFL confirmed the outcome on Friday morning after reviewing the incidents, with Cowan to miss the opening two games of the 2027 season and Hayward free to play.

Hayward required stitches for what Carlton described as a minor cut to the head after a fall, but avoided a ban.

Cowan also received medical treatment and underwent observation before being discharged.

“I should never have put myself in such a vulnerable situation, I want to apologise for the impact my actions have had on my family and the football club,” Cowan said.

“I also want to thank the medical professionals who helped me on the night, the football club for their ongoing support and everyone who took the time to reach out and make sure I was okay.

“This is a wake-up call and I am just so grateful to now be in a position to learn from this.”

AFL chief operating officer Tom Harley said: “AFL players have a responsibility to themselves and their professional careers to uphold community expectations. They are well-educated when it comes to the harms associated with the use of illicit substances. Lachlan admitted his mistake and understands he must be accountable for his actions." 

Ambulance Victoria told AAP last week that advanced life support paramedics responded to an incident in South Yarra at 5.15am on Sunday.

They said a man in his 20s was taken by ambulance to The Alfred Hospital in stable condition.

In a statement on Sunday, Carlton said both players had received the necessary care and their welfare remained the club's top priority.

"Carlton can confirm that Lachie Cowan and Will Hayward were admitted to hospital under separate circumstances on Sunday morning," the statement read.

"The club has been in regular contact with both players, with priority for their wellbeing."

Cowan, 21, played 24 games this season and finished fifth in the John Nicholls Medal after a breakout campaign. He has made 62 appearances since being drafted in 2022.

Hayward, 27, played 21 games in his first season at Carlton after crossing from Sydney in the Charlie Curnow trade.