AFL hit by illicit drug use rise There were 26 positive tests for illicit drugs recorded by AFL players in 2012. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has expressed disappointment about the rise of illicit drugs by its players Source: News Limited THE AFL has recorded a significant increase in the use of illicit drugs, particulary cocaine in the past year. The league said today there 26 positive tests for illicit drugs recorded by AFL players in 2012, a large increase from the previous year. League chief executive Andrew Demetriou described the results as disappointing. There were 26 positives from 1979 tests in 2012, with two of those being from a player testing positive on a second occasion. Twenty-five of those positives were for stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines. There were six positives from 1489 tests in 2011. The AFL illicit drugs policy is separate from its testing for performance-enhancing drugs and is done with the support of the AFL Players' Association. "The rise in detections in 2012 reflects both an increase in the number and effectiveness of target tests conducted as well as the well-documented jump in illicit drug availability and use in the broader community," said Demetriou. The AFL announced several changes to its Illicit Drugs Policy today. There are three current players to have recorded two positive tests for illicit drugs. If a player records a third strike, the matter is referred straight to the AFL's general manager of football operations. AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said most illicit drug use by players was opportunistic and was often preceded by excessive consumption of alcohol. "It is disappointing to see a rise in the number of positive tests," said Finnis. Today's results are a reminder that illicit drugs are a problem across society and that football cannot afford to be complacent. However, the current testing regime allows us to determine which players have issues with misuse of drugs and get them into appropriate treatment programs, supported by their club's doctor.