The Blues released a statement on Sunday saying Cowan and Hayward had gone to hospital “under separate circumstances” and had both been discharged. Reports circulated on Sunday morning that the players had required emergency medical care and that recreational drugs had allegedly been involved, but that has not been confirmed.
According to a source with knowledge of Cowan’s situation who did not wish to be quoted, Cowan was taken to hospital via ambulance after a night out. In a separate incident, Hayward went to hospital on Sunday morning after waking up with a headache and a cut to the head from a fall following a night out, according to a source with knowledge of that situation who did not wish to comment publicly. Hayward took an Uber to hospital, where he was treated for the cut.
Carlton’s statement confirmed that Cowan “received medical treatment and underwent observation, before being discharged a short time later”. The club said Hayward “experienced a minor cut to the head after a fall, and admitted himself to hospital where he received stitches before being discharged”.
The club said the priority was the players’ wellbeing and they had been in regular contact. “Both players have now received the necessary care relating to their separate circumstances,” the statement read.
Ambulance Victoria declined to comment, citing patient confidentiality.