Ryan Crowley has thanked fans and the Fremantle Football Club for their overwhelming support during his voluntary suspension.
 
The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal announced on Thursday it had suspended the 31-year-old for 12 months after he tested positive in season 2014 to a specified substance under the AFL’s Anti-Doping Code.

AFL Tribunal decision on Crowley

Crowley said the support from members and supporters had been humbling.
 
“To the Freo fans, the best fans, I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support you have shown me,” he said.
 
“Thank you for every card, every letter, every message and they have not gone unnoticed.
 
“I will be forever grateful for that…it really means a lot.”
 
Crowley also paid tribute to the club, his teammates and coaches for their continued support.
 
“I’ve been at the club my whole playing career and they are like family to me,” he said.
 
Crowley also thanked his partner Samara for her continued support during the past few months.
 
He said he took a painkiller for a back injury.
 
“I never intended to do anything wrong,” he said.
 
“I am deeply remorseful for the mistake I made last year.
 
“I’ve never wanted to let any of my team mates or fans down, I hope you accept my apology.”
 
Crowley said he and the club would make a decision on his playing future at the end of the season, as was normal protocol.
 
“I have some thinking to do,” he said.
 
“This whole process has shown me how much I do love footy.
 
“I’ll just make sure I am fit but we’ll make a decision at the end of the year.”
 
Fremantle chief executive Steve Rosich reiterated that no decision on whether Crowley would return to the field would be made once the season was completed.
 
“We will review, as part of normal list management protocol, the status of Ryan at the end of the year,” he said.