The AFL has revealed that 26 players tested positive for illicit drug use last year.

That number soared from just six postive tests in 2011.

Louise Starkey reports.

TRANSCRIPT

From almost 2000 tests taken, 26 samples were positive; 25 for stimulants and one for cannabis.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou describes the results as disappointing.

He says the rise in detections reflects both an increase in the number and effectiveness of tests as well as a jump in illicit drug availability and use in the broader community.

It’s prompted changes to the League’s Illicit Drugs Policy.

Players will now only be able to self-report illicit drug use once in their AFL career without penalty.

Off-season testing will increase and be mandatory.

And, if a player’s illicit actions persist, the AFL will name and shame them.

Louise Starkey, QUT News.