Australian Rules-Lawmaker accuses AFL of conducting 'off-the-books' drug tests

MELBOURNE :Whistleblowers have accused the Australian Football League (AFL) of conducting "off-the-books" drug testing of players and covering up positive results, a Federal lawmaker told Australian parliament late on Tuesday.

Member of parliament Andrew Wilkie said allegations of "egregious misconduct" had been provided by former Melbourne Demons president Glen Bartlett, club doctor Zeeshan Arain and Shaun Smith, the father of a player accused of drug trafficking.

The allegations included off-the-books testing for drugs at a Melbourne clinic, with players who test positive rested from matches "ostensibly on account of injury", said Wilkie.

"If there are no illegal drugs in the player's system they are free to play, and if there are drugs in their system the player is often asked to fake an injury.

"They are advised to lie about a condition, while the results of the off-the-book tests are kept secret and are never shared with Sports Integrity Australia or WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency)," he told parliament.

Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) is the national anti-doping authority.

The AFL, the national governing body for Australian Rules football, is a signatory to WADA's anti-doping code but runs a separate policy for drugs like cocaine and ecstasy that are more associated with social use than enhanced performance.

Players who record a first positive test under the AFL's illicit drugs policy, which is currently under review, receive a suspended A$5,000 ($3,300) fine and counselling but are not publicly named.

The AFL said it was "unapologetic" about doctors taking steps to prevent players from participating in training or competition if they test positive under their illicit drugs policy.

"... Because having illicit substances in