General Discussions

[DJC]

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.

That's unlikely.

From the American Addiction Centres website:

"After last use, cocaine or its metabolites typically can show up on a blood or saliva test for up to 2 days, a urine test for up to 3 days, and a hair test for months to years. A heavy user can test positive on a urine test for up to 2 weeks.

But other factors can influence how long it stays in someone’s body, such as metabolism, weight, dose, and frequency of use. Drinking while taking cocaine may also slow its elimination from the body."

Hair testing has been part of the AFL drug testing regime since 2016.  However, like risk takers generally, drug users may take the chance that they won't be tested until traces of illegal/banned substances are undetectable ... and they can always self-report and avoid a strike if they have been caught or self-reported before.