MP Andrew Wilkie stands by accusations of 'off-the-book' drug tests in AFL as SIA finds no evidence to support the claims

Andrew Wilkie isn't taking a backward step. The AFL had been busted running a secret illicit drug testing program, instead his repeated explosive allegations he made earlier this year under parliamentary privilege. Wilkie claimed players were doing midweek off the books drug tests and were told to fake injuries if they were found with illicit drugs in their system. But the country's sport watchdog Sport Integrity Australia says it found no evidence of the alleged drug cover ups after investigating the claims. The IFL says it's been vindicated. I want to reiterate that we do not, have not and will not condone the use of illicit drugs and that is why we have an illicit drugs policy. But Wilkie claims SIA let the AFL off on a technicality because the World Anti Doping Code only applies when players are caught on game days. Just because they dodged a wider breach on a technicality that doesn't mean the AFL is in the clear. I think the AF LS reputation is in tatters today. We also know that there is improvements that can be made to the policy and we'll work with our players and our clubs and the players association on those. In fact, the Sierra report made eight recommendations. Including an overhaul of the illicit drugs policy to include AFL players and an independent Commission to oversee it. And it raised broader issues, saying illicit drug use was a widespread problem in Australian sport, which could lead to criminals praying on athletes to get inside information. We've got no evidence of that in the Australian Football League. Both the AFL and Andrew Wilkie have claimed a moral victory. But the truth may lie somewhere in between. Yes, the AFL was vindicated, but its sport integrity Australia's own words. No policy is without weakness.