AFL records no positive drug tests - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

AFL records no positive drug tests

13/05/2011 02:00:34 PM Comments (0)

No AFL player has recorded a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug in the latest 12-month testing period.

AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) had reported to the AFL that it had conducted almost 1000 tests - from November 1, 2009 through to October 31, 2010 - with no positive test results.

Anderson said ASADA tested players in-competition and out-of-competition, as well as during the player holiday period.

The AFL and ASADA introduced testing for EPO, advanced blood-booster CERA and human Growth Hormone (hGH).

EPO, or Erythropoietin, became the drug of choice for cheating endurance athletes during the 1990s.

It increases the red-blood cell count which, in turn, improves endurance.

Human Growth Hormone helps with recovery, enabling an athlete to train more.

The AFL also expanded its blood-profiling program through the 12-month period. A number of players were repeat-tested.

Anderson boasted on Friday that the AFL was the first sport to pay for its own program to test for hGH, EPO and CERA.

ASADA described the testing program as gold standard, Anderson added.

"The AFL, with our medical commissioners, Dr Peter Harcourt and Dr Harry Unglik, constantly works with ASADA to review our anti-doping strategy, to make sure it is in line with the leading anti-doping trends and work in international sports," Anderson said in a statement.

"Our commitment is that the AFL competition is conducted on the basis of athletic prowess and natural levels of fitness and development, and to set an example for all participants in Australian football by condemning the use of performance-enhancing substances."

Hawthorn's Travis Tuck last year became the first player to record three strikes under the AFL's illicit drugs policy after testing positive to GBH.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news