The Australian Football League (AFL) has refuted claims of a widespread cocaine issue within the sport, following allegations made by whistleblowers. These assertions, suggesting a culture of drug abuse and cover-ups within the Melbourne Demons club and the AFL at large, were brought to light in a parliamentary address on Tuesday.
Andrew Wilkie, a Member of Parliament, utilized parliamentary privilege to divulge allegations sourced from three individuals: former Demons president Glen Bartlett, ex-club doctor Zeeshan Arain, and Shaun Smith, a former player and father of current Demons player Joel Smith.
Wilkie alleged that clandestine drug tests were conducted off the records at a Melbourne pathology clinic, facilitated by a former AFL chief medical officer. He claimed that players who tested positive for illicit substances were encouraged to falsify injuries to evade match day drug tests, with results concealed from regulatory bodies such as Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) and team coaches.
These claims, if true, raise concerns about the integrity of the sport and the transparency of its drug policies. However, the Demons’ coach expressed surprise at the allegations, disavowing any knowledge of such practices within the club.
In response, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon acknowledged the AFL’s own illicit drug testing procedures but emphasized the importance of player welfare. He did not directly address the accusation of players being instructed to feign injury to conceal drug test results but underscored the significance of doctor-patient confidentiality.
Dillon stated that the AFL is currently reviewing its illicit drugs policy but maintained that the sport does not have a pervasive drug problem. He characterized the issue as affecting only a small minority of players over the course of a year.
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of recent disciplinary actions taken within the AFL, including the suspension of two AFL Women’s players from the Sydney Swans club for cocaine possession. Additionally, Joel Smith, a suspended player from the Demons, has faced accusations from SIA regarding cocaine possession and potential trafficking, though he has not faced criminal charges.