Fremantle's Ryan Crowley will have his AFL fate decided in early May, with the league announcing on Friday a timeline for dealing with the Dockers tagger's positive drug test.

Crowley tested positive after a game against GWS in July of last year and has been under a provisional suspension since September, after his B-sample also proved positive.

The 31-year-old has claimed the positive test was a result of a painkiller he took.

The AFL confirmed on Friday that:

• ASADA written submissions due by April 2
• Player written submissions due by April 17
• AFL written submissions due by April 21
• ASADA written submissions in reply due by April 24
• Hearing on May 1

The Tribunal panel will consist of David Jones (chair), John Nixon and Dr Susan White.

Crowley could face up to two years out of the game if found guilty by the tribunal.