AFL Overhauls Illicit Drugs Policy: A New Era for Player Health and Accountability
After more than a year of deliberations, the Australian Football League (AFL) and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) have announced a landmark in-principle agreement to significantly amend the league’s illicit drugs policy. This comprehensive overhaul, set to encompass both the AFL and AFLW competitions, is being hailed as the most robust health-led illicit drugs policy in Australian sport.
The revised policy marks a departure from the previous three-strike system, which faced considerable criticism in recent years. Concerns were amplified in March 2024 when federal Member for Parliament Andrew Wilkie, using parliamentary privilege, alleged that AFL clubs had been circumventing the existing policy. He claimed that clubs were attempting to shield players from mandatory testing by withdrawing them from games, thereby preventing World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) tests on game days.
Key Changes Under the New Policy
The new framework introduces a multi-layered approach focused on education, testing, intervention, and support.
Compulsory Drug Education: Players from both elite men’s and women’s competitions will be required to undergo enhanced drug education programs. This forms a cornerstone of the revised model, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the risks and consequences associated with illicit substance use.
Twice-Yearly Hair Testing: Universal hair testing will be implemented twice a year for all players. This method provides a more comprehensive and longer-term detection window compared to traditional urine tests.
First Positive Test: A single positive hair test will trigger mandatory education and intervention programs. Players will also face increased accountability measures, with escalating consequences for subsequent infractions.
Second Positive Test: Upon a second positive test, players will be subject to stricter management protocols. They will be required to contribute financially towards their own treatment and ongoing testing, emphasising personal responsibility.
Third Positive Test: Club leadership will only be notified after a player’s third positive hair test. At this stage, an independent panel will assess the individual’s fitness to play and determine when they can be deemed eligible for selection in the AFL or AFLW again.
“Unavailable for Selection” Status: Players who fail drug tests and are ruled out by the policy will be officially designated as “unavailable for selection,” ensuring transparency and clarity regarding their playing status.
Post-Retirement Support: The policy extends its support to players for up to two years after they retire from the game, acknowledging the ongoing challenges some may face.
Dedicated Drugs Policy Officer: To ensure effective implementation and oversight, the AFL will appoint a dedicated “drugs policy officer.”
A Health-Led and Clinically Informed Approach
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon emphasised the policy’s dual focus on rigour and player welfare. “The revised IDP will be the most stringent illicit drugs policy in Australian sport, while also remaining clinically informed, and focused on player health and wellbeing,” Dillon stated. He acknowledged that illicit drug use is a societal issue that impacts athletes, stating, “Our players are not immune from the issues and pressures that exist in the community.”
Dillon further elaborated on the policy’s strengths: “This revised policy is stronger, more comprehensive and more rigorous. It combines mandatory education, universal hair testing, treatment, monitoring and ongoing support across both AFL and AFLW. The policy is an important step forward for our game and reflects the shared commitment of the AFL and the AFLPA.”
A Welcome Change for Many
The move to overhaul the illicit drugs policy has been a long time coming, with prominent figures like former Collingwood president Eddie McGuire being vocal advocates for change. McGuire has previously expressed support for the new recommendations, highlighting the need to remove shame from the issue and focus on rehabilitation.
“I can tell you that there has been a very, very elaborate deep dive at the AFL,” McGuire commented on Nine’s Footy Classified. He also noted the significant backlash from players tired of negative perceptions and from clubs and supporters frustrated by players receiving substantial salaries while sidelined due to drug-related issues, especially when these could be managed under a more comprehensive system.
McGuire’s perspective aligns with the new policy’s emphasis on a medical approach: “What we need to do… is get to a position where if a player is hair tested, if they come up (positive) then they have to be rehabilitated, not punished. Really lean into the medical side of things, but you can’t play, because illicit drugs are generally performance enhancing drugs as well.” He added, “We’ve seen players run the gauntlet way too much, and it’s not helping players. We are losing players.”
The new policy, while comprehensive, is not expected to come into effect for several months, allowing for final preparations and implementation planning. This revised approach signifies a significant step towards prioritising player health, well-being, and accountability within Australian football.
