FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has called on the AFL to introduce a zero-tolerance policy for players who take illicit drugs.
 
Speaking on SEN 1116 on Friday, Thomas said the clubs and players have broader responsibilities than just winning games and competing for premierships because they are seen as role models in wider society.
 
“Ten million people know who they are and they have a responsibility," he said. "We are losing the war on social drugs and a stance needs to be taken."
 
"The damage done by providing outlets to players to have these misdemeanours is more damaging to society and sends the wrong message."
 
Thomas first took to Twitter on Thursday night calling for instant dismissal of any player who takes illicit drugs. And on Friday he said the AFL's three-strike policy was wrong.
 
"The AFL allows them a couple of cracks. I can't understand it."
 
The AFL is reviewing aspects of its illicit drugs policy and Thomas said the way forward was clear.
 
"Send a strong message to society that if you want to play an elite sport you have responsibilities and one is a zero tolerance to illegal drugs."
 
Thomas, who coached the Saints from 2001 to 2006, has long been an outspoken critic of many aspects of the game.
 
He said terminating the contract of a player who was caught taking illicit drugs would send shockwaves through the AFL playing fraternity, but also the right message.
 
"The next AFL player (thinking of using an illicit drug) will pause and think to himself 'Will I or won't I?’ And if they choose to dabble, then their career should be over.

"It's in the contract, it's terminated. We know it, you know it. Do it and it's terminated and you're out.
 
"Go play in the SANFL, the WAFL or the VFL." he said.

But dual Brownlow medallist Chris Judd does not believe a zero-tolerance policy is the solution for the AFL.

Judd has said previously: "I think you've got your young guys going out exploring and experimenting and other guys who are sometimes self-medicating a mental health issue.

"To just group any drug user as the same, and come at them with the biggest stick you can grab, I don't think that's constructive.

"I look at certainly my experience in the West Coast days and how Ben (Cousins) was often treated.

"I think you can often get misled by the masks that players wear."