General Discussions

[kruddler]

True, but even so the testing then wasn't what it is now.

Even if we do not know, the AFL surely do!

We see this growing trend for players to take some time away from the game, it is often written off as mental health, it won't be all cases but I'm certain some of them will be strikes that we the general public know nothing about. The problem is we do not want to the speculation, it helps nobody, but it's surely up to the player to expose their own issues if they feel fit to do so!

I suspect eventually the culture will change, and these issues will be discussed more freely.

I listened to a podcast that had Ricky Nixon talking about Cousins, Carey and his own Cocaine issues.
Depending on the player and specifically their metabolism. The drug can be out of your system within 24 hours.

So the AFLs drug policy is a 'gold star' in terms of optics.
However, in terms of finding and/or fixing the problem. Its like throwing darts at a dartboard blindfolded. Hitting what you want, when you want is nothing short of a miracle.
Further to that, players often get a heads up on when they are going to be tested. So if you think you will get done, you 'self-report' and avoid the strike system altogether.

I'd like to think its less of an issue than it once was, but i think players are a lot more educated now on how to beat the system now so they take more risks.