The AFL today released the results of the Illicit Drug Policy out of competition testing for 2008, which showed the rate of failed tests has dropped by 76 per cent from the first year of testing in 2005. 

The AFL again increased the number of Illicit Drug Policy Tests in 2008, to a record 1220 tests, with the rate of failed tests continued its downward trend, falling to 0.98 per cent of all tests carried out – the first time it has dropped below one per cent since the policy began in 2005.

In 2008 a total of 12 failed tests was recorded – a drop on the previous year of 14 per cent.

The number of players that recorded a second failed test in 2008 was two – also down on the 2007 figures.

No AFL player has recorded a third failed test in the four years of the Illicit Drug policy. More than 3330 tests have been conducted since the policy was introduced.

The number of tests that will be conducted in 2009 will rise to 1500, with all AFL players to be tested at least once during the year. Holiday hair testing has also been introduced as a two-year trial in 2009-2010.

The General Manager of Football Operations, Mr Adrian Anderson, said the results were a clear indication that the education programs and the basis to the policy of counseling and treatment was working to change player behaviour.

He said the AFL and AFLPA, in partnership with the players, had developed the policy on the best advice of the country’s leading medical and drug prevention experts. All changes had been evidence-based and the evidence was that the policy was working to reduce drug use and protect the ongoing health and welfare of players.

“In 2008 we tested more than ever before, we target-tested players more than ever before and we tested more players post-season than in any previous year and we have again recorded a significant drop in the number of failed tests recorded,” Mr Anderson said.

“Again this year, as with last year, we ramped up testing in the post-season period and recorded the majority of failed tests in the period immediately following the end of the season.”

“The experience of the doctors was that alcohol was also again a significant factor in most of the failed tests recorded, reinforcing the importance of the AFL’s Responsible Alcohol policy and team leadership groups in setting cultures of responsible drinking.”

The AFL is one of only three sports in the country that currently has an Illicit Drug policy where players have volunteered for testing and is the only sport that publishes its results each year.

AFL Players’ Association President Joel Bowden said the results vindicated the players’ support for out-of-competition testing.

“In 2005 AFL players made a bold and voluntary decision to sign up to a strong regime of testing for illicit drugs outside of competition,” Bowden said. “The motivation for doing this was our genuine commitment to the health and wellbeing of our fellow players.  Make no mistake; the use of illicit drugs is incredibly dangerous.

“And it’s pleasing that the policy’s focus on health, education, player welfare and rehabilitation is proving to be effective. The statistics released today provide clear and measurable proof that our policy approach is working.”

Professor Jon Currie, the Director of Addiction Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital and the chairman of the Victorian Drug and Alcohol Prevention Council said the AFL policy was an example of a strong public health and welfare campaign in action.

"Once again the AFL is to be congratulated on the leadership that it continues to show through its Illicit Drug policy,” Professor Currie said.

“The AFL and the players have recognised that the issues related to illicit drug use are a health problem. They are actively addressing them through the medical principles of education, counselling, treatment and ongoing support which sends a vital message to our community that illicit drug use is a serious health risk which must be addressed openly, honestly and with expert knowledge. The AFL is also sending the message that help and treatment are available and effective, and should be sought as early as possible by anyone who is experiencing problems.

“The results released for 2008 confirm the effectiveness of the AFL's Illicit Drug and Responsible Alcohol policies, and the accompanying education and treatment programs that have been put in place, with the rate of failed tests continuing to fall despite the very intense level of testing now being conducted.”

“Importantly this is also a recognition from the players that these policies are acting to protect their health and welfare. The players should be congratulated for their courage and leadership."

A website aflplayerssaynotodrugs.com.au has been created detailing information about the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy and the responses from players and experts in the drug prevention field.