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AFL introduces new stringent illicit drug policy for players with hair testing and harm reduction focus

1 hours ago2 articles from 2 sources

Consensus Summary

The AFL has introduced a new illicit drug policy for its players and AFLW athletes, marking the most stringent approach in Australian sport. Both sources confirm the policy replaces the outdated three-strikes model with mandatory hair testing twice yearly, which can detect drug use up to three months prior. Players facing repeated positive tests will undergo stepped interventions, including behavior change programs and clinical treatment, with a focus on harm reduction. The AFL and players’ association agree the policy prioritizes player welfare and confidentiality, though The Guardian notes concerns about increased positive tests due to hair testing’s sensitivity. While ABC highlights pathways for players to remain in the game even after multiple positives, The Guardian emphasizes stricter accountability and potential public labeling of 'unavailable' players. The policy follows years of negotiations and scrutiny, including allegations of past inaction, and is fully funded by the AFL despite higher costs. Both articles agree the changes reflect broader societal drug challenges but differ on the policy’s deterrence and transparency implications.

✓ Verified by 2+ sources

Key details reported by multiple sources:

  • The AFL and AFLW players will now be hair-tested for illicit drugs twice per year under a new policy announced in 2024.
  • The new policy replaces the previous 'three strikes' model and is described as the 'most stringent illicit drugs policy in Australian sport' by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
  • Players who test positive three or more times will be reviewed by a newly formed Joint IDP Committee, including club leadership representatives.
  • The AFL and AFL Players’ Association have an in-principle agreement on the revised Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP).
  • Hair testing can detect drug use up to three months prior, compared to days with urine testing.
  • Players who are deemed unfit to play under the policy will still receive their full salary from their clubs.
  • The AFL’s new policy includes mandatory education, treatment, monitoring, and ongoing support for players.
  • The policy was developed following a two-year negotiation process and a review by alcohol and drug consultancy 360Edge.
  • Players who test positive will initially discuss results only with their club doctor and psychologist.
  • The AFL will fully fund the new policy, which is expected to cost more than the previous one.

Points of Difference

Details reported by only one source:

ABC News
  • The new policy introduces a 'fitness of play assessment' where a player could still be deemed able to play after three positive tests.
  • Players will progress through a stepped process: behavior change program (first positive), individual management plan with clinical assessments (second positive), and fitness to play assessment (third+ positive).
  • The AFL Players’ Association chief James Gallagher stated the revised model 'protects player welfare, respects appropriate medical confidentiality and gives players access to the support and treatment they need'.
  • Clubs will be fined $250,000 if confidentiality of positive tests is breached (mentioned in context of broader policy but not explicitly stated as a penalty for 'unavailable' players).
The Guardian
  • The AFL expects an increase in positive tests due to the more effective hair testing method, though public awareness of individual cases will be limited.
  • Players who fail to comply with treatment may be listed as 'unavailable' in pre-match injury reports, with only the club’s general manager of football, CEO, and president informed.
  • The policy was prompted by allegations of 'wilful inaction' by the AFL regarding drug abuse, cited by independent MP Andrew Wilkie and former doctor Zeeshan Arain in 2024.
  • Sport Integrity Australia found 'no irreconcilable inconsistencies' between the AFL’s policy and the National Anti-Doping Scheme.
  • The AFL explicitly rejected the idea that 'unavailable' players would spark speculation about drug use, calling the policy 'comprehensive and well resourced'.
  • The policy was updated following scandals involving players like Bailey Smith and broader concerns about drug use in the AFL.

Contradictions

Conflicting information between sources:

  • ABC states the new policy introduces a 'fitness of play assessment' where players could still play after three positive tests, while The Guardian does not mention this specific assessment as a pathway to continued play.
  • The Guardian highlights that the AFL expects an increase in positive tests due to hair testing, but ABC does not explicitly mention this expectation.
  • ABC emphasizes the policy’s focus on 'protecting player welfare' and 'medical confidentiality,' while The Guardian frames the policy as a 'stronger deterrence' measure with potential public exposure risks for players labeled 'unavailable'.
  • The Guardian mentions a $250,000 fine for clubs breaching confidentiality of positive tests, but ABC does not explicitly state this penalty in the same context.
  • The Guardian attributes the policy’s urgency to allegations of 'wilful inaction' by the AFL, while ABC does not reference these specific allegations or the 2024 parliamentary comments.

Source Articles

GUARDIAN

AFL braces for increase in positive tests under ‘stronger’ new illicit drugs policy

Every men’s and women’s player to be tested twice per year Players prevented from playing to be listed as ‘unavailable’ The AFL is preparing for an increase in players testing positive to drugs such a...

26 March 2026
ABC

AFL says new illicit drug policy is 'most stringent in Australian sport'

The AFL says its new illicit drugs policy, which includes biannual hair-testing of all players, is the most stringent in Australian sport....

26 March 2026