The AFL conducted competition-wide hair testing for illicit drugs in the players' holiday period.

This competition wide testing is done with the agreement of the AFLPA, and is part of a new Illicit Drugs Policy. The testing in the holiday period is agreed to by the players, and is part of informing the code regarding drug use.

The AFL Illicit Drugs Policy was changed last year, and the changes include increased intervention at all positive tests and stronger penalties, including suspensions on a second positive test.

The new policy regime will be in force this year.

Mark Evans, AFL General Manager of Football Operations said that the new policy gives the code unprecedented levels of information regarding drug use, and a stronger capacity to intervene and penalise players.

"This is the first year of the policy's operation, and I ask that the new policy be given a chance to be in operation and measured for its impact before we demand new changes.

"The use of illicit drugs affects all sections of society, including AFL players, but testing results continue to indicate levels of use below the general public.

"The AFL has informed the Clubs regarding the hair testing over the holidays, but we will not make these public.

"The AFL remains committed to an Illicit Drugs policy that seeks to change behaviour, and penalise players whose behaviour doesn't change," Mr. Evans said.