There were 26 positive tests for illicit drugs recorded by AFL players in 2012, a large increase from the previous year.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou described the results as disappointing.

There were 26 positives from 1979 tests in 2012, with two of those being from a player testing positive on a second occasion.

Twenty-five of those positives were for stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines.

There were six positives from 1489 tests in 2011.

The AFL illicit drugs policy is separate from its testing for performance-enhancing drugs and is done with the support of the AFL Players’ Association.

“The rise in detections in 2012 reflects both an increase in the number and effectiveness of target tests conducted as well as the well-documented jump in illicit drug availability and use in the broader community,” said Demetriou.

” … The AFL playing group largely falls within the high-risk 18-30 male age group and individual players are not immune to peer group pressure and poor decision making.

“However, the use of illicit drugs in the AFL playing group remains substantially lower compared with the same age group of males in the wider community.”

None of the 26 positive tests in 2012 was recorded on match days.

The AFL announced several changes to its Illicit Drugs Policy on Thursday.

– Players will now only be able to self-report illicit drug use once in their AFL career, closing a potential loophole.

– Clubs will be able to request target testing of their players.

– There will be an overall increase in target testing.

– There will also be an increase in hair testing during the off-season, when there is an increased risk of illicit drug use.

There are three current players to have recorded two positive tests for illicit drugs.

If a player records a third strike, the matter is referred straight to the AFL’s general manager of football operations.

AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said most illicit drug use by players was opportunistic and was often preceded by excessive consumption of alcohol.

“It is disappointing to see a rise in the number of positive tests,” said Finnis.

“Today’s results are a reminder that illicit drugs are a problem across society and that football cannot afford to be complacent.

“However, the current testing regime allows us to determine which players have issues with misuse of drugs and get them into appropriate treatment programs, supported by their club’s doctor.”