AFL players caught using drugs should be publicly named to bring about the first steps of their rehabilitation, according to Sydney forward Michael O'Loughlin.

With speculation rife about the scope of drug taking in the AFL after revelations of Ben Cousins' substance abuse and the admission of drug use by Daniel Kerr, O'Loughlin said the issue was just as much a societal problem as a football one.

However, the star Swan is adamant the best way for players to start overcoming their problems is to have positive test results made public.

"Personally, I'd like to see it so that ... once you've done the damage, you've probably gotta get named and get the counselling," O'Loughlin told the media before goalkicking practice at the SCG on Wednesday.

"It's such a touchy subject, as much as footballers are getting involved in this, it's Australian society."

"I just wish (Cousins') family well and hope he's back soon."

"I think if you're playing footy and doing drugs it's pretty silly," added O'Loughlin.

"I just don't see the point."

"It's silly, but again, you've gotta look after the players ... fans come through the gates to see their heroes, and we all make mistakes, it's a tough and cut-throat world."

Responding to suggestions about the lack of out-of-season drug testing, O'Loughlin admitted he could only ever remember being tested during the March-September period throughout his 13-year career.

Younger teammate Ryan O'Keefe - who fronted the media immediately after O'Loughlin - said he was tested just before Christmas last year.

The problems besetting West Coast have added another dimension to their blockbuster season-opening grand final re-match with Sydney at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night.

Exactly how the Eagles come through the dramatic events is largely unknown, and a spate of injuries to key players - in addition to the indefinite loss of Cousins - is sure to unsettle them even further.

However, O'Loughlin said his teammates remain wary of the wounded beast.

"I'm guessing they'll probably be happy to get out of Perth, but the Eagles side has so many quality players so I don't think it will make too much of a distraction for them," he said.

"We've had distractions in the past as well, but the boys got together and got a bit closer in terms of trying to conjure something out on the field, and I expect the best from West Coast on the weekend."