Tigers forward suspended for drink drivingAnna HarringtonAAPMon, 23 February 2026 1:45PM
Richmond have suspended Mykelti Lefau for their AFL season opener against Carlton after the forward was caught drink-driving.
Victoria Police confirmed Lefau, 27, was pulled over in East Malvern in the early hours of Saturday morning and allegedly blew .108 – more than double the legal blood alcohol limit.
He will have a delayed start to the AFL season after the Tigers imposed a two-match ban, taking in their final practice match against Melbourne in Ballarat on Friday, plus the Blues clash at the MCG on March 12.
Lefau, who has had his driving licence revoked for 10 months, will also have to make a $2,500 donation to a relevant charity and undergo alcohol behavioural change counselling.
“We are extremely disappointed with Mykelti’s actions, and he is fully aware that his poor judgement put both himself and the community at risk,” Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said in a statement.
“Mykelti will now be suspended for two matches and undergo counselling to ensure he will learn from this mistake.
“We will continue to support Mykelti across this period to ensure his well-being.
“He understands he has let his teammates and the club down and will address them all tomorrow.”
Lefau had been firming to start in round one after kicking three goals in the Tigers’ pre-season scratch match against Essendon last week, following a frustrating run with injury.
The forward kicked 14 goals in 10 games in his first season in 2024, which was prematurely ended by an ACL tear.
Lefau then suffered a calf injury in his return match last year.
The 27-year-old expressed remorse for the incident.
“I made a really poor choice, and I am deeply embarrassed by what has taken place,” Lefau said.
“It is unacceptable by any standard and it won’t happen again. I apologise to my club, my teammates and our fans.”
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