On the eve of round 1 the Collingwood Football Club has been dealt a major blow with the unfolding news that Josh Thomas and Lachie Keeffe tested positive for the banned drug Clenbuterol.

The pair, along with the club, were alerted to the positive sample on Friday.

The positive test has resulted in a provisional suspension while the pair wait on their ‘B sample’ to be analysed.

A statement released by the football club reiterates that the provosional ban is not an admission of guilt.

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.

So we have 2 players with clen triggering team sanctions, AFL with a non WADA anti doping policy, EFC 34 due and Crowley 8 months no hearing

— Richard Ings (@ringsau) March 30, 2015

A club backdrop without sponsors. The scariest sight in footy. The harbinger of terrible news to come pic.twitter.com/WneJmT3iJJ

— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) March 30, 2015

Photo credit: @WilkoSam