CLUBS are likely to find out after the NAB AFL Draft if a player they have selected has tested positive to an illicit drug.
The AFL will broaden its testing program for players in the national under-18s system ahead of the draft, with the League set to undertake more hair and urine tests.
Their policy will be formulated soon, but it is understood that if a draft prospect records a positive test, recruiters will not be informed before the draft.
Only after a player has been selected will the respective club doctor be notified of the detection, and the first-year player will go into the AFL's education and counselling program.
It is unclear what would happen if a draft prospect was found to have repeated drug use or a consistent problem, and how that would be treated under the code.
Clubs contacted by AFL.com.au said if the AFL had such information on draftees, they should make it available to recruiters during their decision-making process.
They said a positive strike would be a major factor in deciding whether they went ahead and picked a player, particularly given the sizeable investment made in every selection.
But one list manager said his club wouldn't automatically rule out a player if they were told before the draft he had a positive test, although it would see the club do more research before making a final call.
It is believed the AFL would prefer not to take punitive action against draftees if a strike occurs, instead choosing to then target test them once in the system.
Parents of draft-age players were informed about the increase in testing during the recent NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, and were supportive of the concept.
AFL officials Mark Evans, talent manager Kevin Sheehan and medico Peter Harcourt spoke to the group about the likely increase in illicit drug tests.
The AFL has always been able to test under-18 players for performance-enhancing and illicit drug use, and through talent programs players have been made aware of the drug codes.
Education seminars will continue for prospects around the country.
The AFL has a working party reviewing its illicit drug policy for the elite level, with ongoing concerns about the three-strike policy.
Under the current medical model, players are tested throughout the year and are subject to hair testing out of season.
The players agreed to that program on the basis of confidentiality, with the names of players who test positive to illicit drugs remaining restricted with only the AFL medical officer and relevant club doctor informed.
Industry figures have expressed concern that players are taking advantage of the present system, with the AFL Players' Association open to a review taking place.
