Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge believes the AFL’s newest iteration of the illicit drugs policy “compromises” clubs’ care for their players.
AFL drugs policy changes spark concern
Announced in March by the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association, the heavily revamped framework leaves the senior coach banned from finding out if their own players are battling with drug use. Medical staff, psychologists, club chief executives, presidents and football managers are allowed to know, but breaches of confidentiality may bring mammoth fines of up to $250,000.
“It’s one of the things with the new illicit code, where certain people aren’t allowed to know that players are struggling,” Beveridge said on Wednesday. “From a mental health point of view, it just compromises our care.”
Beveridge noted that he can only use the club’s appointed psychologist, Andrew Waterson, who he said is doing an incredible job. The comments come after Beveridge criticised the AFL last week over draft changes.
Full-time psychologists at clubs?
Beveridge was asked about the AFL’s push to mandate full-time psychologists at every club, one of the recommendations from the investigation into Carlton’s handling of Elijah Hollands’ mental health episode. Carlton was fined $75,000 for mishandling Hollands, who was hospitalised after erratic behaviour during a match.
Beveridge said funding a full-time psychologist who could help everyone on a playing list would be tricky, as Waterson has his own practice and it is likely more lucrative than what the club pays him. “What a full-time psych would mean or look like at AFL level, it’s hard because of our itineraries,” he said.
Beveridge also revealed that some Bulldogs players have been working with acclaimed singer Josh Piterman, who is also a life coach and specialises in breath work. “As long as players feel like they’re being cared for, that’s really important,” he said.
Other coaches weigh in
Melbourne coach Steven King said the Demons use former NBL champion David Stiff as their club psychologist. “Our players and even I use him a lot in terms of mindset, performance,” King said. “We look after young men who need a lot of help, not only in the footy landscape, but in life.”
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick claimed the AFL looks after its players better than any organisation in the world. “The people in AFL are the best in the business; psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, physios,” Hardwick said. “There wouldn’t be a sport better placed in the world to deal with these things.”
