Michael Randall Determination

Michael Randall has been successful in his appeal to have his two-year period of ineligibility reduced. 

Randall’s ineligibility period was lowered to 20 months at an Appeals hearing at the National Sports Tribunal (NST).

The following announcement was made on afl.com.au today.

“The AFL advises that the Panel appointed by the National Sports Tribunal CEO to hear and determine the appeal of Michael Randall v AFL and Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) in respect of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation for presence of a prohibited substance provided preliminary brief reasons following the conclusion of the Appeal hearing on 15 February.  Those preliminary brief reasons included a determination that a period of ineligibility of 20 months, commencing on 2 September 2021, is imposed on Mr Randall pursuant to the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code 2021.  Mr Randall will therefore be eligible to return to training from 2 March 2023 and participate in sport from 2 May 2023.”   

Michael will be available to play for the Royals from May 2, 2023, with his two-month “return to play’ period beginning on March 2. This means Michael will be able to join his teammates for the first time at our Monday session on the 6th of March.

‘We are pleased for Michael and his family that this matter has finally come to an end and that Michael can return to footy.’ CEO Dean Turner said.

‘Michael is an A-grade talent who finds and uses the ball well whilst also being able to hit the scoreboard and I have no doubt he will play a significant role in pushing East Perth back up the ladder.’

Michael was given a two-year ineligibility period for having trace elements of the non-specified stimulant phentermine in a urine sample after the match between Peel Thunder and West Perth on the 24th of July 2021. 

‘I made a mistake, which I have owned and learnt from, hopefully other athletes look at my example and have a greater understanding of their responsibilities when it comes to this stuff.’ Michael said.

Michael and the East Perth Football Club wishes to thank and acknowledge the support of Director Tom Percy KC, Barrister Venetia Bennett, the Legal Counsel at the AFL and the National Sports Tribunal.

Michael continued, ‘I’d like to thank my family and East Perth for their unwavering support through this process.’ 

‘I cannot wait to don those Mighty Royals Colours!’