The AFL’s attempt to remodel its outdated illicit drugs policy continues to drag on, and questions are being asked about the AFL Players’ Association role in the protracted negotiations.

It was thought by many in the industry that a deal would have been struck by now and the policy would have been released, but the two parties are still struggling to agree on all the details.

Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters that the “AFL had lost a lot of bargaining power” after Sport Integrity Australia was handed 51 names of players to target test during the 2024 season.

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“It’s extraordinary that we’re still talking about this. About six weeks ago, I said the AFL and the players were close to a deal but 14 or 15 months after it was put back on the agenda, still no deal,” Wilson said.

“The AFL Commission are getting impatient because (outgoing CEO) Paul Marsh leaves the Players’ Association in the coming weeks, and they want to deal before Paul Marsh is gone.”

Wilson also revealed that there will be no $5,000 fines in the first instance which the AFL had been pushing for in February, and the circle of players to be tested would not be significantly widened.

“Frankly, it’s a bit of a mess,” Wilson said on The Agenda Setters. “Not all the players are aligned in wanting a slightly softer welfare based policy, but Paul Marsh is ruling the roost ... so those who are vehemently anti drugs I don’t think are being heard.”

AFL legend and Agenda Setters panelist Nick Riewoldt said he couldn’t understand why some players and the Players’ Association were pushing back on changes to the policy.

“It is a shocking look for the players. This reeks right now,” Riewoldt said on The Agenda Setters.

“If the players are pushing back against a tougher drug code, this code is so old, society has moved so fast since this code was introduced.

“It is such a bad look for the players because it reeks of, ‘Leave us alone, we want to take drugs’. That is what it looks like.”

Kane Cornes said he was sick of the players’ arguments against a stronger policy.

“Just don’t do it and your reputation will be ruined by not participating in this program,” Cornes said.

Riewoldt said it was also a safety issue.

“Why wouldn’t the AFLPA be strong on this and say, ‘Hey players, we’re here to represent you and represent your interests. This is in your interest,’ because, you know, we’re not just talking about something illegal, we’re talking about something dangerous,” Riewoldt said.

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“The fentanyl epidemic. That’s a real thing like. This (policy) might actually save lives, so I can’t understand why the players would be pushing back against a tighter code.”

Riewoldt doubled down on the comments on radio.

“It is time for a refresh, but the players are pushing back. Or at least the majority of players - it’s being reported - are pushing back on a tighter code,” he said on Triple M’s Mick in the Morning.

“The AFL leaked the target testing names to the drug-testing authorities – of players. So, the AFLPA and the players are pushing back on the AFL, saying, ‘We don’t want a tighter code because we don’t trust you.’

“I think this is where the AFLPA need to be stronger; a stricter, tighter drug code for the players has to be a good thing, doesn’t it?”