Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun
FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.
Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.
"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.
"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.
"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."
Earlier notice wanted on drugs
AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.
Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.
Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".
"At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.
"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.
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"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."
Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.
"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.
Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.
Kennett welcomed the move.
"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."
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