Dal Santo backs more hair tests in AFL

Whatever comes of the AFL's upcoming drugs policy reviews, Nick Dal Santo wants the focus to be on helping players.

North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo

North Melbourne's Nick Dal Santo has backed a proposal to hair-test AFL players for illicit drugs. (AAP)

North Melbourne star Nick Dal Santo has backed a proposal that would increase the scope of hair testing for illicit drugs in the AFL.

But the Kangaroos midfielder also stresses that he wants the upcoming review of the league's illicit drugs policy to focus on helping players and preserving their privacy.

Hawthorn veteran Sam Mitchell has reportedly proposed that all senior players undergo hair tests four times a year.

The AFL has flagged reviews of its performance-enhancing drugs code and also the separate illicit drugs policy.

While the performance-enhancing code is mandatory, the controversial "three-strikes" illicit drugs policy is voluntary and needs the ongoing support of the players association.

"Me, personally, it wouldn't bother me at all," Dal Santo said of more hair tests.

"I still believe in privacy, though, and I still believe in helping guys.

"So if that's the model and that's the system we want to go (with), then I'm happy to support it."

A spate of positive tests and the Essendon supplements saga have prompted the league to flag a review of the performance-enhancing drugs policy.

But there are growing worries in the game that the three-strikes system is out of date.

"In regards to the social drugs, something is happening within the game," Dal Santo said.

"I'm not fully across it and probably don't understand it enough to make big comments.

"But I just feel with recent things that have happened, it's a really good opportunity for us to have a look at it."

"I'm not saying the system hasn't been great, but I actually believe in helping blokes and the rehab side of it.

"I also believe in not necessarily exposing blokes."


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world