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The Saints have been critical of a lack of equity in the competition, with a focus on access to elite talent at the top of the draft \u2014 putting the northern academies squarely in the spotlight. <\/p>\n
Speaking on SEN radio two days ago, Cochrane, who served as the Suns\u2019 chairman for seven years, said the Saints should instead be called \u201cthe moaners\u201d, going on to give Lyon a whack. <\/p>\n
\u201cTheir coach is a 20-time Brownlow Medallist at complaining about and distracting of their own agenda,\u201d Cochrane said on SEN. <\/p>\n
Asked if Lyon had heard the comments made by Cochrane, Lyon told media on Thursday: \u201cI don\u2019t even know who Tony Cochrane is. Who\u2019s Tony Cochrane? No, seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
When told he was Gold Coast\u2019s former chairman, Lyon said: \u201cOh, is he? Former? So, he\u2019s not in the game anymore. Oh, he\u2019s a supporter. He\u2019s a supporter, yep.\u201d<\/p>\n
Probed specifically on Cochrane\u2019s remark about Lyon being a \u201c20-time Brownlow medallist at complaining\u201d, the veteran Saints boss responded basically as you\u2019d expect. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, that\u2019s good \u2014 I don\u2019t comment on supporters. I don\u2019t comment on comments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
AFL OVERHAULS ILLICIT DRUGS POLICY<\/p>\n
In a landmark overhaul, the league\u2019s previous three-strikes policy has been thrown out in favour of more stringent measures. <\/p>\n
The league says the revised policy is \u201cfocussed on player health and wellbeing\u201d, and is aimed at improving health outcomes \u201cthrough enhanced care, governance, and increased levels of accountability\u201d. <\/p>\n
Headlining the changes is a regular hair-testing regime that is set to more accurately identify players\u2019 substance abuse. <\/p>\n
The hair tests, which players are set to undergo multiple times a season, are said to be able to detect substances for up to three months. <\/p>\n
It replaces the previous model of urine testing \u2014 the accuracy of which is limited after just a few days. <\/p>\n
Hair testing was part of the old policy, but there was previously no punitive attachment to the results. <\/p>\n
When a player returns a positive drug test, they will undergo \u201csignificant health assessments and interventions to enact behaviour change and be subject to increased levels of accountability with escalating consequences\u201d. <\/p>\n
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 10: Andrew Dillon has announced the new drugs policySource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
The AFL revealed a stepped process to be introduced under the new policy: <\/p>\n
1. A Behaviour Change Program (BCP) and individualised assessment will follow a positive hair test; this may include healthcare interventions for players from the outset.<\/p>\n
2. If there is a second-consecutive positive test a player will progress to an individual Management Plan overseen by an AFL IDP Manager. A Management Plan includes ongoing clinical assessments, treatment and routine testing with a co-funding model in place ($5000 for AFL and $900 for AFLW).<\/p>\n
3. If a player continues to use and all attempts to engage them in the IDP framework have failed, they will be referred at this point to a Fitness to Play assessment by an independent panel, at which point the club President, CEO, and GM of Football (amongst others) are informed.<\/p>\n
4. As a result of a Fitness to Play Assessment, a player is determined to be fit to play, fit to play or train on stipulated terms, or unfit to play or train for a specified period and supported with intensive treatment. <\/p>\n
5. A player will progress from the framework when they have fully and successfully participated in their Management Plan.<\/p>\n
Like the previous policy, confidentiality remains a key condition. But for the first time, the new policy will also include AFLW players. <\/p>\n
Those that are unable to commit to education programs, testing measures and respond positively to the new policy will not be able to play at senior level until they do so. They will be declared \u2018unavailable\u2019 for selection. <\/p>\n
The AFL, which says the revised policy will be \u201cdocumented and finalised in the coming months\u201d, is also introducing the following measures:<\/p>\n
– Support for players for up to two years after retirement or delisting. <\/p>\n
– A newly established Joint IDP Committee, comprising representatives from the AFL, AFLPA, AFL Doctors\u2019 Association and experts in addiction and drug policy to oversee implementation of the revised policy. <\/p>\n
– A dedicated Illicit Drugs Policy Manager at the AFL, jointly appointed by the AFLPA to support the operation of the framework. <\/p>\n
– A suspension range of two to four matches for AFL players for public use of illicit drugs once the revised policy takes effect (pro rata for AFLW players).<\/p>\n
– Confidentiality obligations will continue, including a sanction of up to $250,000 on a club and individual de-registration if these are found to have been breached.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe revised IDP will be the most stringent illicit drugs policy in Australian sport, while also remaining clinically informed, and focused on player health and wellbeing,\u201d AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said in a statement on Thursday. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis revised policy is stronger, more comprehensive and more rigorous. It combines mandatory education, universal hair testing, treatment, monitoring and ongoing support across both AFL and AFLW.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an interview with SEN in early March, AFLPA boss James Gallagher said: \u201cThe intent always has been to find a contemporary approach to the medical management of players using illicit drugs, and taking the advice of the experts as to what is the best way to both identify, firstly, which is where the hair testing can come in, to support players through that process and put the right programs in front of them. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then hold them accountable to that support, so that if you are getting help, there is a responsibility that you\u2019re taking up that help. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat medical approach is one that we\u2019ve been really strong on the whole way through the negotiation.\u201d<\/p>\n
‘I’m not always going to do this…’ | 03:06<\/p>\n
\u2018STALLED\u2019 DEES TALKS ALLOW RIVAL TO SWOOP<\/p>\n
Melbourne\u2019s move to Waverley Park has reportedly hit a snag, with a rival club now \u201cin negotiations\u201d to swoop in. <\/p>\n