In May 2015 Whitfield reportedly stayed at the home of former Giants welfare manager Craig Lambert on the advice of then football manager Allan out of fear of failing an illicit drugs test.

Allan waited until July last year to inform the club with the Giants immediately contacting the AFL triggering the ongoing investigation.

The AFL are expected to deliver their findings to ASADA this week.

It was thought Allan’s role which led to the investigation could result in Collingwood ceasing their discussions with him, however, the club has confirmed they are comfortable with his appointment.

“The Collingwood Football Club was made aware by Graeme Allan, prior to his recruitment, that he is one of the subjects of an AFL investigation that relates to his time with Greater Western Sydney,” the club said in a statement.

“Collingwood was also made aware at this time that both GWS and the AFL had concluded or were concluding separate investigations into the matter.

“From our discussions on this matter with various parties, Collingwood found no reason standing in the way of employing Allan.

“The club would like to make it very clear to all that if, at any stage, information received about any member of staff that brings into question their behaviour Collingwood will deal with that information with the appropriate authorities.”

Whitfield will play in the Giants’ preliminary final clash against Sydney next Saturday.