sport news Footy fans claim Sydney Swans AFLW stars who were busted with cocaine are ... trends now
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Footy fans are blowing up over the 'light punishment' two AFLW Sydney Swans players busted with cocaine have received, insisting that male players caught with drugs are treated more harshly.
According to court records, Alexia Hamilton, 23, and Paige Sheppard, 22, were found guilty of possessing a prohibited drug at Waverley Local Court on January 30.
The revelation comes after 9News Melbourne initially reported that two unnamed stars from the Swans' women's team were charged by police late last year, during the off-season.
The pair received conditional release orders, similar to good behaviour bonds, with the AFL revealing it is aware of the incident.
As part of the conditional release order, Hamilton and Sheppard must abstain from drugs and not commit further offences for the length of the 12-month period.
The Swans have not commented but the club has reportedly been aware of the incident for months.
Footy fans believe two AFLW Swans players busted with cocaine have got off lightly (pictured, Alexia Hamilton)
Hamilton and Paige Sheppard (pictured, left) were each sentenced to a 12-month conditional release order - essentially a good behaviour bond - after being caught with cocaine in 2023
When contacted by Nine, the Swans declined to comment, but key officials were reportedly aware of the issue for months.
Under the AFL's illict drugs policy, any player caught using illegal drugs receive a first strike, a suspended $5000 fine and counselling and are subject to target testing.
A second strike results in the player being named publicly and banned for four matches.
It's the first cocaine scandal in the AFLW, but many footy fans online feel that female players should be treated the same as their male counterparts.
