The AFL advised the Dockers in September that ASADA had issued the 31-year-old a show cause notice after he tested positive following the club's round 17 game against GWS last season.

Much like the 34 current and former Essendon players at the centre of the ongoing Bombers supplements saga, Crowley has commenced a provisional suspension. As is the case for the Bombers, Crowley will be able to train with teammates while provisionally suspended, but will not play.

Crowley said he was looking forward to the process playing out.

"I would like to thank my partner Samara, my family and the club for their support over the past few months. It has been invaluable," he said in a statement.

"I have my own legal advisers working on the matter and they have also been a great support."

"I will continue to fully cooperate on this matter with ASADA and the AFL. At this stage, I'm looking forward to AFL Tribunal hearing taking place."

Fremantle president Steve Harris said the club had not commented thus far for confidentiality reasons.

"We have been unable to inform our members and supporters of this matter until this time due to the code's confidentiality requirements," he said.

"We are keen for the matter to go to the AFL Tribunal but determining a date for a hearing is out of the club's control."

Only two players in AFL history have been suspended for taking performance enhancing drugs. Richmond's Justin Charles missed the first 16 games in 1998 for taking an anabolic steroid, while St Kilda's Ahmed Saad missed 18 months of football for taking a banned stimulant contained in an energy drink.