Brisbane Lions have slammed allegations of drug use, match-fixing and illegal gambling levelled at the club by a 'self-confessed drug dealer'.
The Lions released a statement on Monday rubbishing claims made by Jason McGrath, cousin of Brisbane forward Ash, that their squad had extensive drug-use problems between 2002 and 2009, while also declaring he had been involved in fixing a game involving the club.
Brisbane argued they 'have no reason to believe the word of a 'self-confessed drug dealer'', and also reserved special criticism for newspaper The Courier-Mail, which featured Jason McGrath's allegations.
"It is extremely disappointing that the Courier-Mail has chosen to publish this story in the absence of any evidence," a written statement from Brisbane read.
"These claims from a 'self-confessed drug dealer' are completely unsubstantiated and do not deserve publicity."
While Brisbane have completely denied the club was involved in any illegal or immoral activities, the Lions maintained any possible evidence should be given to the proper authorities rather than disseminated through the media.
"We have no reason to believe the word of a 'self-confessed drug dealer' but if anyone, including the Courier-Mail, has any evidence with regards to this, or any other matter, it should be referred to either the AFL integrity unit or the Queensland Police," the statement read.
Lions triple premiership player Jason Akermanis said he couldn't remember Jason McGrath, who reportedly had been seen in the club's change rooms and at functions during that period.
"I find things like this extraordinary. If it's only a couple of players and he's got a vendetta against a couple, why would he be admitting it to the world and also implicating himself?" Akermanis told SEN.
"If he can prove it, I'd love to see it.
"The older players would have generally been playing every game … I've got no doubt none of them were involved at all.
"If they were, that would really surprise me."