Dan Houston during Port Adelaide's official 2020 team photo shoot at Alberton Oval in February. Picture: AFL Photos

PORT Adelaide pair Peter Ladhams and Dan Houston have been suspended for breaking AFL COVID-19 protocols.  

Ladhams has received three matches and Houston two matches after the pair entertained visitors at Ladhams' house following the Power's round 10 win over the Western Bulldogs on August 3. 

>> READ THE AFL'S FULL STATEMENT ON PORT ADELAIDE'S COVID BREACH

The Power also received a $50,000 sanction ($25,000 suspended) with the $25,000 to come out of the club's football department soft cap for next year. 

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As part of its investigation, the AFL cleared Adelaide player Billy Frampton – who lives with Ladhams – of any wrongdoing. 

The absence of Houston and Ladhams – who have been key contributors to the table-topping Power in the last six weeks – is a blow ahead of matches against Hawthorn, Sydney and North Melbourne. 

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AFL players have consistently been told they're not allowed to welcome visitors to their home under 2020 restrictions with Power teammate Ollie Wines also receiving a one-match ban in June when he had a TV crew at his Adelaide home. 

It is understood both Houston and Ladhams were absent from Power training on Tuesday as the AFL investigated their breaches. 

Their bans follow the suspension of young Swan Elijah Taylor who will not play again this year after sneaking his partner into the club's quarantine quarters in Perth.

Ladhams accepted the sanction and was embarrassed by his actions.

"I'm very embarrassed to put the club and my teammates in this position. There was no excuse for my complacency and I fully accept the sanction handed down by the AFL," he said.

"The club has gone out of their way to brief us on all processes related to the AFL return to play protocols. I now have to work my backside off to win back the respect of my teammates."

Houston was equally remorseful.

"Our entire club has worked so hard this season with all the challenges that have come our way and I feel like I have let the boys down with this breach," he said.

"I take responsibility for my own actions so I fully accept the sanctions handed down by the AFL. I am disappointed but I will learn from my error in judgement."