The Australian Football League (AFL) and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA) have agreed a new illicit drugs policy that marks a significant shift in how the sport approaches substance use, with a stronger emphasis on health, early intervention and player support.
The AFL and AFLPA have reached agreement on a new illicit drugs policy, representing a major step forward in how Australian football addresses the use of substances outside competition. The policy is designed to prioritise player health and wellbeing, while also strengthening accountability across the game.
A key feature of the new framework is the introduction of enhanced testing methods, aimed at improving the ability to detect substance use and support early intervention. The policy moves beyond a purely punitive model, instead focusing on identifying risks early and connecting players with appropriate support.
Under the new approach, players who return a positive test will be supported through structured intervention programmes, including education, counselling and clinical care where required. The framework is designed to respond proportionately, with increasing levels of support and oversight depending on individual circumstances.
The policy also introduces clear consequences in certain situations, including sanctions for public incidents involving illicit substances. At the same time, strict confidentiality provisions are in place to protect player privacy, limiting the sharing of sensitive information and reinforcing trust in the system.
Importantly, the policy applies across both the AFL and AFLW competitions, ensuring a consistent and inclusive approach to player welfare. It also includes ongoing support mechanisms, recognising that player wellbeing extends beyond their playing careers.
Oversight of the policy will be managed through a joint structure involving the league, the players’ association and relevant experts, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the agreement.
This agreement highlights the importance of policies that are jointly negotiated between leagues and player associations, ensuring that approaches to substance use prioritise health, dignity and the rights of players as workers. From a World Players perspective, it reinforces the role of collective representation in shaping frameworks that balance accountability with care, and that provide access to appropriate support systems rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
For more details, read the full announcement on the AFL Players’ Association website.
Photo credit: IMAGO / AAP
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