Former coach calls on AFL to ditch illicit drugs policy

Former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has called on the AFL to ditch its illicit drugs policy, suggesting “probably 90 per cent” of current players in the AFL had tried drugs.

The issue has been flung into the spotlight after images emerged of Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith with an illicit substance on social media.

Speaking on 3AW, Thomas said Smith had simply got caught.

“I would suggest probably 90 per cent of AFL players that are contracted have tried an illicit drug, so let’s not be shock and horror about this,” he told 3AW Afternoons.

Thomas said the AFL should only be worried about testing players for performance-enhancing drugs.

“They’re in a sport and that’s it, nothing else matters,” he said.

“Society has an illicit drug problem and it’s getting bigger and bigger, more and more – countries are legalising it – that’s where it is.”

Thomas said it was up to clubs to implement a culture and program that led to players making the “right choices” about their health.

Press PLAY below to hear Grant Thomas on 3AW

Picture: Getty iStock