26 positive tests for illicit drugs in AFL

A sharp lift in the number of players testing positive to recreational drugs has prompted the AFL to revamp its illicit drugs policy.

A record number of 26 positive tests for illicit drugs were recorded in 2012, with two of them concerning a player testing positive for a second time.

All but one of the positives were for stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamines, with cocaine topping the list.

A similar number of players pre-empted a potential positive test by self-reporting illicit drugs use, but they were not included in the figures.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou admitted the number of positives was disappointing.

"There was a significant and concerning increase in detections last year," said Demetriou.

"We saw 26 failed tests compared with six the year before.

"The increase is obviously disappointing but it reinforces the need for us to be vigilant and for a medical model that tests players all year around and allows for early intervention."

The 1979 tests taken last year was higher than in any of the previous seven years of the policy.

It produced a huge increase from the six positives from 1489 tests recorded in 2011.

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26 positive tests for illicit drugs in AFL