AFLW set for illicit drugs policy overhaul as players set to be tested for first time

AFLW players will be brought in line with their male counterparts as part of an overhaul of the drug policy. SAM LANDSBERGER has the details.

AFLW players appear set to be tested for illicit drugs for the first time, with Sports Integrity Australia’s recommendation to include the female cohort in the league’s revamped policy receiving support from senior industry figures.

There was a strong belief on Monday that there should not be two separate systems governing the men’s and women’s players when it comes to drug use and the expectation was they would be formally written into the new Illicit Drugs Policy.

AFLW players Alexia Hamilton and Paige Sheppard received two-match suspensions after they were charged by NSW police for being in possession of an illicit substance in December.

Sports Integrity Australia pointed out the AFL was “one of the few sports in Australia” that has an Illicit Drugs Policy, which was established in 2005.

Alexia Hamilton was one of two Swans players to receive a suspension last year. Picture: Getty Images

That is courtesy of the AFLPA voluntarily signing up to it. Men’s players undergo voluntary hair testing twice per year to detect which players have used drugs.

They do not receive strikes. Instead they receive support while de-identified reports are given to the AFL club and chief executive to provide a snapshot of the current drugs issue in the game.

The Sydney pair went to court and were given conditional release orders.

If AFLW players had been signed up to the policy then those battling drug problems would’ve accessed greater mental health support and education, which potentially could prevent incidents such as players facing court.

The AFL Players’ Association reinforced its commitment to the confidentiality and harm minimisation model that underpins the league’s current IDP.

AFLW players will be brought in line with their male counterparts as part of an overhaul of the drug policy. Picture: Getty Images

“The AFL Players’ Association acknowledges Sport Integrity Australia’s assessment and report into the AFL’s Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP). The IDP is a joint policy between the AFL and AFLPA,” AFLPA acting chief executive Regan Bunny said on Monday.

“The AFLPA remains strongly committed to the principles that underpin the current IDP. The IDP is based on a medical model, entered into voluntarily by our members, that ensures the confidentiality of players and is designed to intervene, educate, and rehabilitate those who use illicit substances.

“An independent review into the IDP has been completed by external experts and the AFLPA is currently waiting for the AFL’s first proposal on changes to the policy going forward. Any changes to the policy must be agreed by the AFLPA and AFL with the health, safety and wellbeing of our members front of mind.”