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

3 hours ago2 articles from 2 sources

Consensus Summary

The AFL has implemented a new illicit drug policy for its players and AFLW athletes, marking the most stringent approach in Australian sport. Both sources agree the policy replaces the outdated three-strikes model with mandatory hair testing twice yearly, which can detect drug use up to three months prior, and introduces a stepped process for positive tests including education, treatment, and independent fitness assessments. The AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon and AFLPA chief James Gallagher have praised the policy for balancing accountability with player welfare, emphasizing harm reduction and confidentiality. While ABC highlights the policy’s suspension framework and fitness-to-play assessments, The Guardian underscores concerns about increased positive tests due to hair testing and the financial penalties for clubs breaching confidentiality. Both articles note the policy’s broader societal context and the AFL’s commitment to funding the initiative, though they differ slightly on framing its strictness and specific procedural details.

✓ Verified by 2+ sources

Key details reported by multiple sources:

  • The AFL and AFLW players will now undergo hair testing for illicit drugs twice per year under a new policy
  • The new policy replaces the previous 'three strikes' model and is described as the 'most stringent illicit drugs policy in Australian sport' by AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon
  • Players who test positive three or more times will be assessed by a newly formed Joint IDP Committee, which includes the player’s club president, CEO, and football manager
  • The AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) chief executive James Gallagher stated the revised policy protects player welfare and provides access to treatment
  • The policy includes mandatory education, universal hair testing, treatment, monitoring, and ongoing support for both AFL and AFLW players
  • The AFL confirmed players barred from playing under the policy will still be paid by their clubs
  • The new policy was negotiated over two years and follows allegations of 'wilful inaction' by the AFL regarding drug abuse in sport, cited by independent MP Andrew Wilkie in 2024
  • Hair testing will detect drug use up to three months prior, compared to urine tests which detect use within days
  • 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 announced the in-principle changes on Thursday, detailing a stepped process after a positive illicit drugs test
  • The suspension range for public use of illicit drugs is two to four matches, which is above WADA performance-enhancing drugs testing protocols
The Guardian
  • The AFL expects an increase in positive tests due to more effective hair testing, though public awareness of specific cases will be limited
  • Clubs will be fined $250,000 if confidentiality about positive tests is breached, and only the general manager of football, CEO, and president will be informed
  • The policy was reviewed by alcohol and drug consultancy 360Edge, which recommended a harm reduction approach
  • Players initially testing positive will discuss results only with the club doctor and psychologist, who will administer a behavior change program
  • The policy was updated following concerns over drug use in the AFL, including scandals involving players like Bailey Smith

Contradictions

Conflicting information between sources:

  • ABC states the new policy introduces a suspension range of two to four matches for public use of illicit drugs, while The Guardian does not mention this specific suspension detail
  • ABC emphasizes the 'fitness of play assessment' as a major change allowing players to continue playing after multiple positive tests, while The Guardian focuses more on the confidentiality and financial penalties for clubs
  • 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 mentions the policy was 'trumpeted as the toughest in Australian sport' by Andrew Dillon, while The Guardian frames it as a 'stronger' policy but does not use the same superlative
  • The Guardian notes the policy was reviewed by consultancy 360Edge, while ABC does not reference this consultancy or review process

Source Articles

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
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