ONLY six positive tests were recorded during out of competition testing for illicit drug use in 2010.

This continues the downward trend in the rate of failed tests.

In 2009, there were 14 positive tests to illicit drugs, which represented 0.89 per cent of the 1568 tests carried out.

When a record 1654 tests were undertaken in 2010, the failure rate fell to 0.36 per cent.

This contrasts with 2005 when 472 tests were carried out and 19 players tested positive.

The illicit drugs testing is separate to the AFL's anti-doping regimen, which involves testing for performance enhancing drugs in line with the World Anti-Doping Authority's guidelines.

"AFL players have taken a leadership position on this very important issue and the results speak for themselves, with the rate of positive tests falling strongly since the policy was introduced in 2005," AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said.

However, the latest figures show that one player tested positive for a second time last year.

The numbers also include the third positive test recorded by former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck, which was announced and dealt with (he was suspended for 12 matches and fined $5,000) last August.

Tuck was delisted by the Hawks earlier this year after. He had been given the opportunity to compete for a place on the club's rookie list during the pre-season.

He also received extensive counselling and medical treatment for depression.

Tuck is now playing for Werribee in the VFL.

"Clearly the complex issues surrounding illicit drug use are the same for the broader community as they are for AFL players," Finnis added.

"The events of last year demonstrate this and we have confidence in the medical model which underpins this policy."

The 2010 out of competition illicit drug policy results were released on Wednesday morning by the AFL Players' Association and the AFL.

It showed that five positive tests were for stimulants, a group of drugs that includes cocaine, speed and ecstasy, while one positive test was for using cannabis.

"The achievement of a 10-fold reduction in failed test numbers is a testimony to the success of the policy in being able to change behaviour, as well as the leadership of our player group in taking on such a policy, when they had no requirement to do so," AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said.

Anderson said the introduction in 2010 of mandatory referrals to a drug and alcohol specialist for any player with a failed test had been successful.

He also thanked club officials for their support in identifying 'at risk' individuals who required extra support.

Players that have recorded a failed test continue to be target-tested.

"The policy and its achievements have attracted considerable interest from sporting organisations in North America and Europe for its cutting edge approach in going above and beyond the WADA code," Anderson said.

"AFL players, as a group, continue to lead the way in showing that they seek to change behaviour around the use of illicit drugs and the testing results under the policy clearly show behaviour changes, with a drop in the number of failed tests despite yearly increases in the number of tests being conducted.

"The focus on education, intervention, rehabilitation and welfare, with the opportunity for players to change their behaviour, has shown to be effective."

The AFL is one of only three sports in the country that currently has an illicit drug policy where players are tested for illicit drugs out of competition. The AFL is the only sport that publishes its results each year.