New AFL footy performance manager Greg Swann will not lead the competition’s war on drugs

AFL supremo Andrew Dillon says his newest panel member will not have anything to do with a controversial issue plaguing the league.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon says new general manager of football performance Greg Swann will not lead the competition’s fight against illicit drugs.

Dillon and the AFL remain in the hunt for a new deputy chief but bolstered its panel by unveiling Swann, the former Brisbane chief executive, as its newest member on Monday.

Dillon says the highly criticised illicit drugs policy will not be tackled by Swann and will instead be overseen by the demoted Laura Kane.

“Within the structure now the drugs policy will sit within the healthcare unit which Laura Kane will lead,” Dillon said.

“We’ve been having productive discussions with the PA (AFL Players’ Association) over a number of months, we’re working collaboratively with them on a really complex issue.

“We want to make sure we have a policy that is fit for purpose for ’25 and beyond and is a policy that has buy in from the AFL, the Players’ Association, our clubs and our playing group.

“We will take the time to do the work to make sure that it’s right.”

The AFL’s war on drugs will fall under Laura Kane’s (right) role. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Dillon is working with the AFLPA, the players and the club to find a policy which is “fit for purpose”.

He says illicit drugs is a “societal issue we’re all confronting” and not a problem exclusive to the playing cohort.

“I think what we will have is a policy that’s fit for purpose for the AFL and the Players’ Association and the clubs and the players going forward,” he said.

“Illicit drugs use is a societal issue and is not something we can shy away from but what we want to do is make sure we’ve got a policy that is right for the AFL.

“Ultimately, it’s a societal issue we’re all confronting.”

Greg Swann (right) is the newest member of the AFL’s executive panel. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Dillon is closing in on a deputy chief, with Tom Harley (Sydney), Ameet Bains (Western Bulldogs) and Simon Garlick (Fremantle) reported as leading contenders.

He says the AFL is in communication with the leading candidates now and is hopeful of an imminent appointment.

“We’ve got some really strong candidates who we’re talking to at the moment and we’re hopeful of making an announcement,” Dillon said.

“But not until we’ve got that locked away, I am not going to go into any individuals, but what I will say is we’ve got a really strong field of candidates we’re talking to.”