Eddie McGuire, a prominent figure in the AFL, has made a fervent call for changes to the league’s drug policy, spurred on by comments from outgoing AFL Players’ Association president Paul Marsh. Marsh defended player Bailey Smith after he made contentious remarks on Instagram hinting at drug use if Geelong were to win the grand final. His comments appeared to critique McGuire, who has repeatedly pushed for stricter drug regulations.
Marsh stated that while they do not condone drug use, evidence supporting a stricter punitive approach is lacking. He expressed frustration over non-experts proposing solutions that do not make sense, mentioning the AFLPA’s commitment to a behaviour-change strategy that is expected to be finalised soon.
The current policy allows for players to remain anonymous with a three-strike system leading to varying suspensions, but McGuire argues for greater accountability, stating that players caught should be publicly identified. He cited former St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt’s view that the existing system is outdated. In a passionate address on Nine’s Footy Classified, McGuire lamented the toll drug-related issues have taken on careers and teams, voicing concern over ongoing incidents that harm players and the integrity of the sport, including potential match-fixing.
He highlighted the disparity in how self-reported drug use is treated compared to those caught during games, asserting that while empathy is crucial, the community demands concrete measures. McGuire stressed the need to clarify parameters regarding drug use, claiming that the current trajectory is ineffective and leads to recurrent crises.
Recalling personal experiences, McGuire remarked on the devastating consequences of substance abuse faced by players, advocating for a clear message against drug use within the league. He emphasised that the AFL holds a unique position to combat drug abuse, which is affecting communities and clubs alike.
McGuire concluded with a resounding reminder: “Don’t do drugs,” reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on substances. His remarks sought to unite opinion around the need for a robust approach to addressing drug use in Australian Rules football.