AFL illicit drug policy set for major overhaul

The AFL's new illicit drug policy (IDP) is set to remove the strikes system and move towards utilising more consistent hair testing to identify players' substance abuse.

The new policy will make players who test positive to usage more accountable, and will commit to more hair testing throughout the year. The type of testing can detect substances for up to three months.

The current model uses urine testing, which is limited to identification of a few days after use.

Players unable to commit to more consistent testing, educational programs and responding positively to the new policy could be deemed unavailable for senior selection until they reach the requirements outlayed by the AFL's medical experts.

The AFL experts will have a stronger hand in managing players who tested positive, and will enforce the management of said player, not the club doctors.

Players' identities will continue to be known by the club doctor, but remains unconfirmed whether other club officials will be informed.

The AFLPA CEO James Gallagher provided an update on the ongoing negotiations.

"Hair testing will be a feature under the new policy," he said on SEN.

"It's been in place for a long time. The impact of that and how it's used will shift under this new policy.

"And, we'll move on from strikes.

"We're not done yet. We're getting close. We've spent a lot of time at the AFL. The policy negotiation has been going on for a long time, before I came back to the PA about four months ago.

"But since Christmas, we have really put the shoulder to the wheel. We are trying to get it done with the AFL."

The AFLPA has worked closely with the league to ensure they develop the most effective model.

"The intent always has been to find a contemporary approach to the medical management of players using illicit drugs and taking the advice of the experts as to what is the best way to both identify, firstly, which is where the hair testing can come in to support players through that process and put the right programs in front of them," Gallagher continued.

"And then hold them accountable to that support, so that if you are getting help, there is a responsibility that you're taking up that help.

"That medical approach is one that we've been really strong on the whole way through the negotiation. I'm relatively confident that is where we're going to land."

The positive testing of players will fall under the purview of Laura Kane, who took on the role as EGM of Football Operations, which includes the league's mental health and welfare response.

It is understood that the policy will include AFLW players for the first time since its inception (2017).