Nick Riewoldt calls for players to be named in new illicit drugs policy

News.com.au

06-05-2025

Nick Riewoldt has called for the AFL to deliver a more transparent illicit drugs policy and name players who fail multiple tests.
The AFL remains locked in discussions with the AFL Players' Association over an updated policy with tensions between the two parties still simmering.
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At the core of the dispute remains the list of 51 players' names that were handed over to Sport Integrity Australia investigators in March for targeted drug testing.
The move reportedly blindsided AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh and has left the union at odds with the league over the confidentiality behind positive results.
The AFL was determined to introduce strict measures within the illicit drugs policy with a $5000 fine for a first strike while a second strike would see the player named publicly.
But the AFLPA has pushed back in a move that Riewoldt says is nothing more than a horrible look for the current players.
'It is a shocking look for the players. This reeks right now,' Riewoldt said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
'If the players are pushing back against a tougher drug code, this code is so old, society has moved so fast since this code was introduced.
'It is such a bad look for the players because it reeks of, 'Leave us alone, we want to take drugs'. That is what it looks like.'
While some players are reportedly on board with a tougher stance, the majority are said to be digging in their heels on the changes.
Riewoldt said the AFLPA had to be stronger and get on board with the harsher measures to stop players from exploiting current loopholes within the existing policy.
'It is time for a refresh, but the players are pushing back. Or at least the majority of players - it's being reported - are pushing back on a tighter code,' Riewoldt said on Triple M's Mick in the Morning.
'The AFL leaked the target testing names to the drug-testing authorities – of players. So, the AFLPA and the players are pushing back on the AFL, saying, 'We don't want a tighter code because we don't trust you.'
'I think this is where the AFLPA need to be stronger; a stricter, tighter drug code for the players has to be a good thing, doesn't it?'
Co-host Titus O'Reilly asked: 'What do you mean by stricter?'
Riewoldt responded: 'Fines for testing positive, naming of players (testing positive) … just greater ramifications around a positive test. The removal of the loopholes that have allowed players to self-report and essentially get a 'get out of jail free' card anytime they take drugs.
'The other thing that's pretty sketchy is the landscape of taking drugs. We're not just talking about illegal behaviour; we're talking about dangerous behaviour. You read all the time about these fentanyl issues, and you think you're taking one thing, but you're taking another.
'A stricter drug code could only be a good thing for the players and the players' health and long-term prospects from a health and wellbeing point of view.'
Mick Molloy then questioned on what basis would an AFL player become targeted for more testing and also stated that naming players is a strong stance to take.
Riewoldt however said doing so would keep players and teams honest and that only after two strikes would they be outed.
'If a player tests positive to an out-of-season test or a hair test, they go into the targeted testing capsule, and then they're just subject to more tests. There's accountability and an educational set-up that occurs as well. The code as it stands is outdated,' he said.
'Not (naming) on the first go. The trouble now is that you read 'ankle injury' or 'finger injury' (on the injury list), and there's every chance that's not the case. Now, everyone is tarred with the same brush, and we've all heard the rumours. In this situation, only those who have tested positive will be named for that.'
The AFL and AFLPA continue to remain at loggerheads over an updated illicit drugs policy with talks between the two parties dragging on.
'It is extraordinary we're still talking about this. Six weeks ago I said the AFL and the players were close to a deal,' Caroline Wilson said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.
'14 to 15 months after it was put back on the agenda, still no deal.
'The commission are getting impatient because Paul Marsh leaves the players association in the coming weeks and they want a dealt before he is gone.
'I think the deal will be done, but I think they will want it done with this current administration and frankly it is a bit of a mess.'