The Serve

Bucks says scrap drugs policy now

The leaking of highly confidential medical information, which this week resulted in two players alleged to have tested positive to drugs, has led former Laws of the Game panel member Nathan Buckley to call for the AFL’s illicit drugs policy to be immediately scrapped.

“Not only do I have doubts, but I don’t think it’s a tenable position to be involved in an illicit drugs code any longer,” Buckley told Triple M.

“If the league and its constituents fail to uphold the confidentiality in which it’s supposed to be running, I can’t see how the players will put their hands up to be exposed to something that we don’t have to be apart of.”

Buckley was satisfied with his first game of the season, although he was modest about his contribution, which saw him play 72% of the Sydney game and pick up 14 touches.

“It was very quiet, but it was part of a good win. I thought I got into the game quite early, which was encouraging.

“I’ve put three weeks of training together, and before that I’d only put in two sessions in a five month period. Towards the end of the game I did fatigue. I’ll be fitter for the run. I presume I’ll get better week by week.”

With the Pies playing on Friday night against Adelaide, coach Mick Malthouse has hinted at resting Buckley, not wanting to risk his star on a six day break

“If I have a say in it, I reckon I will tell him (that I’ll be fine to play).”