EDUCATION on anti-doping for AFL players could be reviewed in the wake of Ryan Crowley's positive test to a banned substance, AFL Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh says.
It was revealed on Monday that Fremantle tagger Crowley has been provisionally suspended since September 25.
The 31-year-old accepted the provisional ban after he tested positive to a substance contained in a painkiller, not supplied by the Dockers, after the club's round 17 win over Greater Western Sydney last July.
Crowley's positive result came after St Kilda forward Ahmed Saad was slapped with an 18-month suspension in November 2013 for testing positive to a banned stimulant, believed to have originated from a sports drink.
Speaking at the AFLPA's annual general meeting on Tuesday night – in which Freo veteran Matthew Pavlich was elected as the new president to take over from ex-Collingwood midfielder Luke Ball – Marsh said education on anti-doping could be improved.
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"It (education) certainly happens and the players are getting a reasonable amount of education," Marsh said.
"In saying that, can it be improved? Look, it can always be improved. We need to review what's gone on here and why Ryan's found himself in this situation and I think you've always got to try to get better.
Asked about his initial reaction when told of Crowley's positive test, Marsh said he was concerned for the player.
"It's obviously a terrible situation for any player to find themselves in," he said.
"(We'll) make sure that he's OK and he's got the full support of not only the AFL Players' Association but the whole playing group."
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Meanwhile, the AFLPA elected two new board members on Tuesday night, with St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna and Melbourne forward Chris Dawes stepping into roles vacated by retirees Ball and Richmond's Daniel Jackson.
Pavlich and North Melbourne big man Drew Petrie were returned to the board, while Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson was voted the new vice-president.
Pavlich, who had been vice-president since 2012, and North Melbourne big man Drew Petrie were returned to the board, while Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson was voted the new vice-president.
Pavlich assumes the presidency at an important time for the AFLPA, which is preparing to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the League.
The association is campaigning for a set percentage of the League's total revenue to be awarded to players, similar to the deal Marsh protected for cricketers when he was CEO of the Australian Cricketers' Association.
"The set percentage of revenue is about the players being genuine partners in the game," Marsh said.
"We think that's the right model going forward. We'll be very focused on that in the next 12 to 18 months.
"I don't see why it should be any different in footy to what it is in cricket.
"It's not just cricket. Most of the American sports have percentage models, some of the other Australian sports have it, so the AFL's in a minority here."
St Kilda star Montagna believed the key issues facing players also included work-life balance, equalisation and the length of the season.
"Whether a shortened season will enhance the competition is something to be discussed," he said.
"I certainly don't think the players are keen to have a longer season, but that will be something that as we go through this process with the CBA it will be discussed and we'll see what the players come up with."
Montagna also said he was "a big fan" of the NAB Challenge's current format, where each team plays three matches over four weeks.
