CLUB doctors will play a crucial role in the AFL's investigation into its illicit drugs policy in 2019.
AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking will oversee the review of the IDP, with one of a number of key focuses to include dealing with players' mental health requirements.
It will be the first investigation of its kind since 2015 when the policy was revamped under then league football boss Mark Evans.
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While the AFLPA is also set to form a major part of the process, club doctors will be able to provide input into the current system from their hands-on dealings.
"We understand there's been some concerns with the current drugs policy, and as has been the case previously, it will be reviewed accordingly," AFL Doctors Association president Andrew Potter told AFL.com.au.
"We'll certainly be involved in that process and it's been discussed already."
Under the existing model, overall results are no longer made public, with the club doctor the only individual required to receive all information pertaining to their club.
There has been a fear among AFL clubs that the ability for a player to raise mental health concerns may alter their personal process within the IDP.
"History has shown it (IDP) has uncovered some mental health issues (among players) and that it (IDP) has assisted with dealing with those," Potter said.
"That will still be front and centre for our organisation and we need to ensure they (players) receive the appropriate intervention."
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An AFL spokesman said: "The AFL and AFLPA have been undertaking a review of the Illicit Drugs Policy, which expires in 2020, to ensure the objectives of the policy, including player welfare and accountability continue to be met. The ongoing review will include consultation with clubs, players and medical professionals."
An AFLPA spokesman said the review was already underway.
"We meet with the AFL regularly to discuss the Illicit Drugs Policy, both parties agreed late last year we would commence reviewing the shared policy in 2019 ahead of its expiry in 2020 and we've been getting feedback from our player leaders in recent months."
The current IDP ensures players receive 'enhanced player education and counselling programs' to help with behavioural changes.
The fresh policy set out to increase club involvement, so officials could be part of the education process earlier.
The AFL and AFLPA also committed to urine testing and year-round hair testing which doesn't inherit a strike, while players are permitted one 'self-notification' if they have not previously been identified under the IDP.
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Currently, a first detection receives a $5000 (suspended) sanction and compulsory counselling and education.
Players receive a four-match ban and the full $5000 sanction with results confirmed publicly for a second detection.
A third detection incurs a 12-match suspension and a $10,000 sanction.
No player has been outed publicly for the second or third detection under the current model.
Former Hawthorn player Travis Tuck was suspended under the previous regime after his third strike in 2010.
