Dean Cadwallader, the East Perth Footballer, saw his AFL dreams in tatter after he tested positive to the banned steroid nandrolone.

Cadwallader was tested positive to the anabolic steroid in late May when he was a part of the WA State Team that lost to Victoria, as per an announcement made on July 6, 2010. The dope test results mean that Cadwallader will face an automatic two-year suspension since both of his “A” and “B” samples tested positive to the substance and under Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) regulations.

From Heraldsun.com:

A teary and dejected Cadwallader appeared before the media in the Chairman’s Lounge at Subiaco Oval – which also doubles as the WAFL Tribunal venue – reading a short, prepared statement.

“I would like to acknowledge my actions and express my regret for the disappointment I’ve caused to a lot of people,” he said.

“I’d like to apologise to my family, my teammates, the East Perth Football Club and its staff, its members and our supporters.

“There is no excuse. I’ve made a huge mistake and I’m going to pay a heavy price for that mistake. I only hope that I can come back to the game in the future and make a positive contribution.

“I’d like to thank the club and my family for their support and once again apologise for the hurt that I have caused them.”

Cadwallader has until mid-July to make any submissions to the Anti-Doping Violation Panel before a decision is made on his playing future.

He has chosen not to inform the club of how and why the banned steroid was taken.

East Perth coach Tony Micale was left disappointed by Cadwallader’s act and remarked that the player had the natural talent to make it big without the use of drugs.