The AFL Players’ Association supports the recent changes put in place by the AFL’s integrity unit, having been in consultation with the AFL throughout the entire process.

We support the changes to the governing of supplementation and medical treatments, and the elevation of the role of the club doctor in administering these controlled treatments.

Given the growth in sport betting, the new restrictions prohibiting players and officials from using communication devices two hours prior to a game are part of the sensible regulations the sport needs to take in order to protect itself – it was a step taken in cricket many years ago.

We at the Players’ Association also support the protection of whistle-blowers who act as witnesses regarding breaches of AFL Rules. We want people to put their hand up because we don’t want to risk the integrity of the game.

Changes to the AFL’s gambling code, which ensure AFL players are prohibited from betting on lower levels of Australian Rules Football are necessary, as they prevent players from betting on affiliated leagues they may be involved in such as the VFL, SANFL or WAFL.