Drugs double vision

AFL Players Assoc CEO Matt Finnis, Collingwood CEO Gary Pert , AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Dr Peter Harcourt. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

TESTING of players for illicit drugs could be doubled for less than $200,000, the AFL says.

AFL medical officer Dr Peter Harcourt is believed to have told Wednesday's drug summit that the cost for each club to fund the move would be $10,000.

The proposal that clubs be given the chance to pay for extra testing received strong support.

In 2011 there were six positive results from 1489 tests conducted.

AFL clubs raised the prospect of funding greater target-testing of players they fear may be taking illicit substances.

The plan has been put to the new AFL working party on drugs, which includes four club CEOs.

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson, a member of the working party, said it would be investigated.

"It was one of the things that was mentioned by Peter Harcourt," Robson said. "We had already flagged that the clubs could be more engaged in the prospect of what target-testing looks like.

"It is one of the things that emerged as a talking point for the working group. It hasn't been signed off, but it was a proposal put forward and it was welcomed by clubs."

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Drugs double vision