AFL announces new rigorous illicit drug policy

Sam Edmund  •  March 26th, 2026 2:20 pm
AFL announces new rigorous illicit drug policy
The AFL and AFLPA have presented the new illicit drugs policy based on twice-yearly hair testing for all players.
In the event of a positive test, a rigorous stepped process will follow.
If a player continues to use and all attempts to engage them in the framework fail, the club president, CEO and GM of football will be informed. Those people are not allowed to tell the senior coach. And fines of up to $250,000 and de-registration sanctions are in place if they do.
But familiar criticism will follow the explaination of a player absence for substance use.
“Unavailable” has been set as the only language that can be used.

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