AFL drug policy needs change: Suns

Gold Coast CEO Andrew Travis says the AFL’s illicit drugs policy needs “refreshment” in light of Karmichael Hunt’s explosive claims.

Travis on Monday launched the Suns’ investigation into the cross-code star’s allegations of drug use during his time at the club.

Asked if the AFL’s three strikes drugs policy needed to be addressed, Travis said: “The policy has been in existence for a while now and it’s probably due for some sort of refreshment.”

The Suns contacted Hunt’s lawyers on Monday in a bid to obtain the statements provided to the Queensland Crime Commission that were made public on Sunday in newspapers.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett and the rest of the leadership group were set to meet football manager Marcus Ashcroft and coaching staff at the club on Monday to discuss the allegations.

According to a News Corp Australia report, Hunt told police he binged on drugs and alcohol for days at a time and would sometimes turn up high to official team functions.

He also claimed he met his dealer outside a pizza shop to buy cocaine for himself and his club mates.

Hunt reportedly made the explosive allegations in a statement to Queensland police after being charged earlier this year with possession of cocaine.

Hunt pleaded guilty to four counts of cocaine possession in March after doing a deal with prosecutors in which the original, more serious, charges of supply were downgraded.

Travis was not confident of obtaining the statements from Hunt’s lawyers.

“I probably think it is unlikely but we are certainly going to ask because it’s only fair we get the information the others have their hands on,” he said.

“I just want to understand what the facts are in this matter.”

But Travis was adamant the Suns did not have a drug problem.

“No, what we are looking at is an end-of-season matter,” he said of Hunt’s allegations.

“It’s a period that the whole industry determines as high risk.”

Travis said they would be asking players to come forward with information.

“One of the things we are trying to establish (is) which or any players are involved,” he said.

“We have asked previously if anyone who had information to come forward – to date nobody has.

“We will be re-asking that question over the next few days.”

There were also explosive allegations to Queensland police about other high-profile rugby union and rugby league players before Hunt appeared in court in March.

The NRL’s Integrity Unit will investigate a claim that a Test and State of Origin star was the connection between Hunt and a drug dealer.

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