Keeffe, Thomas Test Positive To Clenbuterol

ABC News Collingwood Magpies Lachlan Keeffe and Josh Thomas have tested positive to a prohibited substance. The AFL confirmed the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) notified the league the pair's 'A' samples tested positive for clenbuterol, the same anabolic agent to which cyclists Alberto Contador and Australian Michael Rogers tested positive. They are provisionally suspended with their 'B' sample to be tested on April 14. An AFL statement said Keeffe and Thomas provided the samples on February 10 this year and ASADA informed the players, the club and the league of the presence of clenbuterol, a substance prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, on Friday. "Clenbuterol is not a specified substance on the AFL anti-doping prohibited list and as such, requires the players to be provisionally suspended," the statement read. "It's important to note that until the outcome of the 'B' sample is known, the commencement of the provisional suspension is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but a procedural requirement under the AFL anti-doping code." Collingwood said in a statement "both players have sought independent legal advice through the AFL Players' Association". "It is important for Collingwood to communicate to its supporters that the club has conducted a forensic audit of its tightly controlled dietary and nutrition program and is completely satisfied the positive results are in no way connected to the program," the statement read. The Magpies open their season against Brisbane on Saturday, before their second-round clash with Adelaide on April 11. Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert and football director Neil Balme will front the media at 4:30pm (AEDT). The announcement comes one day before the AFL's anti-doping tribunal hands down verdicts on 34 past and present Essendon Bombers. Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley is currently under provisional suspension for a positive test and his case is scheduled to go before the AFL anti-doping tribunal on May 1. Lachlan Keeffe At A Glance Junior Clubs: Nil Clubs: Collingwood (2008-2015) Debut: Round 16 2011 v North Melbourne Recruited From: Marist College, Brisbane Josh Thomas At A Glance Junior Clubs: Redland Football Club (QLD) Clubs: Collingwood (2013-2015) Debut: Round 1 2013 v North Melbourne Recruited from: Gold Coast U18

Collingwood News Club statement The Collingwood Football Club was advised on Friday by ASADA that two of its players, Lachlan Keeffe and Josh Thomas, are under investigation. The Collingwood Football Club was advised on Friday by ASADA that two of its players, Lachlan Keeffe and Josh Thomas, are under investigation. The pair have returned positive A samples to clenbuterol, a substance prohibited under the WADA anti-doping code. The players’ B samples are still to be analysed, which is currently scheduled for 14 April 2015. It is noted that until the outcome of the B sample is known, the commencement of the provisional suspension is not an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, but a procedural requirement under the AFL Anti-Doping Code. Both players have sought independent legal advice through the AFL Players Association. It is important for Collingwood to communicate to its supporters that the club has conducted a forensic audit of its tightly controlled dietary and nutrition program (which is overseen by its Integrity Officer) and is completely satisfied the positive results are in no way connected to the program. Collingwood is wholly committed to upholding the WADA anti-doping policy and the cause of eradicating performance enhancing drugs from sport. The club will continue to offer both players all of its support.                                  What is clenbuterol? Not approved for human use in Australia. Used for anabolic (muscle growth) and catabolic (fat reduction) benefits. Used to treat asthma by relaxing muscles in the airways - often used in veterinary medicine. On WADA and ASADA's prohibited lists Dangers include heart palpitations, headaches, high blood pressure, nausea, cramps and tremors. Risk of stroke when used in high doses Alberto Contador stripped of 2010 Tour de France title for clenbuterol use. Two Australian bodybuilders are currently serving two-year bans for clenbuterol use.