AFL: Richmond’s Mykelti Lefau charged with drink-driving, banned two games

New Zealand-born AFL player Mykelti Lefau has been charged with drink-driving and suspended by his club.

Victoria Police charged the Richmond Tigers player over the weekend and he has had his driver’s licence revoked for 10 months.

Reports from Australia have alleged Lefau was stopped by police and gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.108g, more than double the legal limit of 0.05g per 100ml of blood.

Richmond has also suspended the 27-year-old for their pre-season match against Melbourne on Friday and the Round 1 match against Carlton, while Lefau will make a donation of more than A$2500 ($2900) to a relevant charity and undertake alcohol behavioural change counselling.

Lefau said he was remorseful for his actions.

“I made a really poor choice and I am deeply embarrassed by what has taken place,” Lefau said.

Mykelti Lefau of the Richmond Tigers has been handed a two-game suspension for drink-driving. Photo / Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It is unacceptable by any standard and it won’t happen again. I apologise to my club, my teammates and our fans.”

Richmond’s CEO Shane Dunne said the player’s actions were unacceptable.

“We are extremely disappointed with Mykelti’s actions, and he is fully aware that his poor judgment put both himself and the community at risk,” Dunne said.

“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 wellbeing.

“He understands he has let his teammates and the club down”.

Lefau moved to Australia from Auckland in 2012 and spent time in NRL club Melbourne Storm’s development pathway.

He switched codes and was recruited as a mature-age player from VFL outfit Casey Demons in 2023.

Lefau kicked 14 goals in 10 games during his first season in 2024, which was derailed by an ACL tear.

The forward returned for one game last season but suffered a calf injury.

Lefau made a positive start to the Tigers’ campaign this year, kicking three goals in a pre-season match simulation against Essendon.