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March 28, 2024
Shadow home affairs minister James Paterson has criticised the AFL following a new report revealing about 100 current players have been granted secret immunity from the code's three-strike drugs policy.
The shock revelation in the Herald Sun comes after Federal MP Andrew Wilkie aired allegations from a former Melbourne Demons doctor that AFL officials would arrange unofficial drug tests to aid players in avoiding positive detection before matches.
If drugs were found, the players were told to fake an injury to avoid an official positive drug test.
The AFL did not deny the allegations, with CEO Andrew Dillon on Wednesday declaring the cope was “unapologetic”.
Despite Mr Dillon alleging that a "very small, handful of players" were involved in the alleged behaviour, AFL insiders told the Herald Sun the number was closer to 100 and climbing.
“Even the cleanest clubs would have about five players on this so-called rehabilitation program,” one insider said.
“Some would have far more. Across 18 clubs we are talking maybe 100 players.”
The number was confirmed by multiple medical professionals within the league, with one describing the operation as “a mechanism to cover up drug use”.
Mr Paterson hit out at the AFL’s dishonesty on Thursday morning.
“What is the point of three strike policy if it has a get out of jail free clause,” he told Sky News Australia.
“The AFL really needs to front up and make some explanations today about what has happened, about why they’ve permitted this.
“Sounds to me like there’s a three-strikes rule unless you’re a star player.”
A first strike results in a $5,000 fine, counselling, and target testing. A second strike leads to a four-match suspension, while a third results in a 12-match suspension.
However, the latest revelations show that if a player self-reports their drug use to their club doctor, they can evade the eyes of Sports Integrity Australia and avoid a strike.
Dissenting opinions have arisen in the wake of the scandal, with some taking the stance that what players do in their time off is their own business.
While others pointed out that cocaine can be enhance performance.
Cocaine is only considered performance enhancing if a player tests positive on game day.
