The star sprinter won the gift in 2003 and 2005 and has remained one of the race’s biggest drawcards.

He has twice represented Australia at Olympic level and is a seven-time national champion.

Ross received an infraction notice from Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency for missing three drug tests in an 18-month span.

He maintained the missed tests were part of a misunderstanding by ASADA over his correct address and he had appealed the suspension.

“There’s been some confusion about my address earlier this year and I want to get that cleared up as soon as possible,” he said.

“I’m fiercely anti-drugs, so I don’t want this in my career.”

Ross finished third in his semi-final at this year’s gift and did not qualify for the final despite a strong performance in his heat.

It is the second time a popular Stawell Gift competitor has faced suspension over drug-related matters this year after star Jamaican sprinter and former 100-metre world record holder Asafa Powell returned a positive drug test in July.

Powell tested positive to oxilo-frine, which is on a list of stimulants banned by World Anti-Doping Agency.

Ross has never tested positive for a banned substance.

He is able to compete while his appeal is pending.

If Ross’s suspension is not overturned he will be unable to compete until the end of 2015.