Chief executive Gillon McLachlan says the AFL has a much better understanding of issues surrounding illicit drugs than it had a decade ago and it will do all it can to help Ben Cousins.

McLachlan was speaking in Perth ahead of West Coast’s 2006 premiership 10-year anniversary celebrations and just days after troubled 2005 Brownlow medallist Ben Cousins again found himself in trouble with police and in hospital due to suspected drug issues.

McLachlan was responding to recent comments from Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett that the AFL gave him an inquisition when he initially sought help for Cousins, rather than any assistance.