A former AFL player was secretly banned from a state league match for making inappropriate comments about a female.

Blake Drury, who played 10 AFL games for North Melbourne before joining Adelaide’s SANFL side this season, was picked to play in a game between South Australia and Western Australia’s state leagues.

But at a promotion for the May 17 state game, Drury and another player, Central District’s Aiden Grace, were caught on video making “unacceptable” comments about a SANFL female staffer.

The staffer discovered the comments when editing footage.

The pair were suddenly withdrawn from SA’s team for the state game - no reason was given at the time but it has now emerged the duo were secretly banned for one game by the SANFL.

The Crows, in a statement, said they were “angered” at the incident and supported the SANFL’s sanction.

“Adelaide Football Club can confirm one of its SANFL-listed players was sanctioned for making inappropriate comments about a SANFL staff member,” the Crows said.

“The club is extremely disappointed and angered by the incident, and it endorsed the SANFL’s sanction.”

Drury, who was delisted by North Melbourne at the end of last season, has been sent for counselling and an education program, the Crows said.

The 21-year-old nominated for the AFL mid-season draft on Wednesday night but was overlooked.

The SANFL said the comments about the female staffer represented “unacceptable conduct”.

“We were extremely disappointed by the inappropriate comments made by the players and continue to provide support to our staff member impacted,” the state league said.