THE AFL'S 18 senior coaches have condemned the reported role some community football coaches are playing in encouraging the use of the drug ice by their footballers.
Media reports this week have alleged some suburban and country footballers are using the drug as a performance enhancer, with community players coming forward to expose the extent of the issue.
It has been suggested some coaches and officials are encouraging the use of the drug, effectively becoming 'dealers' and leading to its widespread use.
The League's senior coaches met in Melbourne on Wednesday for the AFL Coaches' Association's annual general meeting at Etihad Stadium, with the issue high on their agenda.
"The 18 senior coaches at this morning's AGM unanimously and vociferously condemned the reported practice of community coaches facilitating ice use for players," chairman John Worsfold said in a statement to AFL.com.au.
"We think that's abhorrent and on behalf of all AFL coaches would like to condemn the practice.
"Coaches have an exalted role in the community and have a duty to lead at their clubs and in particular guide their players."
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said AFL clubs had a role to play in keeping drugs out of community football.
He said it was a topic likely to be raised when the 18 club presidents met with the AFL Commission on Wednesday.
"I think we have to [be involved] because it's a community situation," McGuire told AFL.com.au.
"I think the AFL and clubs in the community have a huge role to play in this."
The federal member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, this week urged clubs to "dob in" drug traffickers.
He has previously raised his concerns in Parliament, suggesting sporting clubs were in the best position to provide leadership on the issue.
The MHR has called for a national strategy "underpinned by community and sporting club vigilance".
"Football clubs do a great amount of positive work in our communities and I’m concerned a minority of people are ruining the reputation of grassroots clubs," Mr Chester said this week.
"Anyone with information on drug trafficking should report details to the police."
