Carlton defender facing AFL suspension after house party incident

As of October 15, 2026, Carlton player Lachie Cowan will be banned for two AFL matches next season after being hospitalised following a house party incident on Sunday. The incident involved another Carlton player, Will Hayward, who avoided suspension despite also requiring medical treatment at the hospital. Reports suggested that recreational drugs were allegedly involved in both incidents, though this could not be confirmed by the Sydney Morning Herald. Cowan was treated under the AFL's "bringing the game into disrepute" provision, while Hayward admitted himself to the hospital for a cut to his head that required stitches. Earlier reports from October 11 indicated that two Carlton players were hospitalised separately; one after a night out and another with a minor injury following a fall on Sunday morning. The club released statements confirming both incidents but did not disclose further details about what occurred during the night.