We were saddened to read that Karmichael Hunt faces cocaine related charges. Those matters will ultimately play out in court and I have no further comment on that issue at this time.
The players have been asked whether they have any knowledge of these matters. We have asked them to come forward if they have any concerns.
To date we have no knowledge of any other player's involvement.
As to the question of drugs and cocaine use in our club, I am strongly committed to the implementation of the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy.
The policy is based on the four core foundations
- Education
- Monitoring
- Assistance and support by expert medical practitioners
- Punishment for those who continue to make poor choices
We have, in conjunction with the AFL Players Association, an extensive education program that is constantly reinforced with our playing group. Our players are monitored and tested on a regular basis. The results of the testing is provided to the AFL's Chief Medical Officer who provides that information to our Chief Medical Officer.
Our Chief Medical Officer takes that information and any other intelligence that he or his team might be able to gather, including any information or rumour that they might become aware of to do two things namely:
a) Develop an individual strategy to counsel and assist any player who might have made a poor choice and
b) Develop a targeted testing system to ensure that if a player continues to make a poor choice he will be identified
Our Chief Medical Officer works diligently with our playing group and they have developed a deep and trusting relationship with our players.
The drugs policy provides each player the opportunity to make a poor choice on two occasions. In this respect it is directed to rehabilitation rather than rejection. If a player continues to make poor choices then there is no room for that player in the game.
This policy was developed after consultation with some of the best medical minds in Australia and overseas.
Your Board has, and I will continue to make every effort to ensure that our Chief Medical Officer and his team are strongly supported in the work they do with our playing group particularly in this area.
Our Chief Medical Officer attends our board meetings when required. In addition to this the Board has established an Audit and Integrity Committee chaired by a senior member of the Board to ensure that our management team provides our Chief Medical Officer and his team will all the necessary support.
The testing results profile delivered to our club by the AFL through the Illicit Drugs Policy, gives me a great deal of confidence in the programs being implemented by our club.
However, unfortunately it is within our human nature to make incorrect choices.
I cannot rule out that at some stage in our history a player has made a poor choice, but I am satisfied that with commitment and effort we are discharging our duty of care to the playing group, and at the same time ensuring that the club remains an organisation that deserves the respect of our fans and members.
With footy returning this weekend, I think it’s important that I take this opportunity to wish our new coach Rodney Eade and his team the very best in Townsville on Sunday against Geelong.
We have plenty to look forward to in 2015, in what I believe will be our most exciting and successful season yet.
Thank you for your on-going support of our club.
John Witheriff
