Essendon skipper Jobe Watson will learn in February whether he will be stripped of the 2012 Brownlow Medal.
Watson was one of 17 current AFL players hit with playing bans for the 2016 season by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for violating anti-doping rules.
After the AFL Commission met on Tuesday morning, AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said Watson would be invited to address the league's primary decision-making body at a special hearing next month.
"The awarding of this medal needs to be reviewed in light of today's decision," he said.
"The full commission must hear this issue and there will be a February meeting to provide the appropriate level of time for parties to be prepared.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Jobe Watson will be invited to address the Commission as potentially will other relevant parties."
Watson polled 30 votes to win the 2012 Brownlow Medal by four votes from Richmond's Trent Cotchin and Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell.
AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh informed Watson of the CAS decision early on Tuesday morning.
He said the club captain was shattered to be ruled out for the upcoming season.
"This is just such a huge blow to them," he said.
"I don't think Jobe or any of the others have done anything wrong.
"I hope the AFL - with the decision that's under their control - make a decision that allows Jobe to keep the Brownlow medal."
