AFL boss calls for zero tolerance on players’ poor behaviour

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

AFL Commission chair Craig Drummond has reaffirmed a strict zero-tolerance policy on player misconduct, following recent incidents involving Sydney Swans players and emphasizing that those who fail to meet behavioural standards will be barred from the league. He also highlighted strategic plans to expand the sport in new regions, potentially introduce a Tasmanian team by 2028, and consider shortening match lengths to accommodate more games and manage player workload.

Craig Drummond, chair of the AFL Commission, has emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to player misconduct, affirming that athletes who fail to meet the league’s behavioural standards will not be permitted to remain in professional Australian rules football.

Drummond’s statements follow a recent police investigation concerning an alleged sexual assault at the Sydney Swans’ Melbourne hotel last month. Independently of this investigation, the club suspended five players for the remainder of the season after they were found to have been drinking and inviting women to their hotel rooms. The AFL also imposed sanctions on these players, excluding them from consideration for All Australian honours.

Speaking at the Sport NXT conference in Melbourne, Drummond underscored the importance of upholding high standards for all individuals involved in the game. “We don’t have any and should not have any tolerance for poor behaviour,” he said. He stressed that players are public figures with responsibilities beyond their remuneration and should adhere to the values established by the league, their clubs, and the broader community. Drummond noted that those unwilling to meet these expectations might find opportunities elsewhere.

Drummond, who took over as AFL Commission chair in March following Richard Goyder’s retirement, addressed the importance of consistency in enforcing standards across all levels of the sport. He highlighted the need for compliance not only among players but also among administrators and staff within AFL clubs and the league itself.

Earlier this year, Drummond recused himself from an AFL Commission inquiry into a brain injury waiver signed by Geelong defender Jake Kolodjashnij, a matter traced back to his tenure as Geelong president. The club was later fined $100,000 for failing to properly lodge the waiver with the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association (AFLPA). Drummond emphasised the importance of independent reviews in crisis situations and the need to base decisions on verified facts.

At the conference, Drummond also outlined his strategic priorities, including expanding the game’s reach in New South Wales and Queensland and engaging with Australia’s diverse population, particularly those born outside the country. He discussed the anticipated inclusion of Tasmania as an AFL team in 2028, which may necessitate revisions to the league schedule.

Furthermore, Drummond indicated that shortening the duration of matches is under consideration. Currently, AFL games typically last around three hours, and he suggested that a shorter game could facilitate an increased number of fixtures, while also managing player workload. “Most football people would say, and players certainly, and the PA and others would say, we’re probably just about maxed out on the number of minutes that players are playing [per year],” he remarked.

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