Report: Dons players flag in-club illicit drug discussion to AFLPA

Essendon players were so affronted about an in-club illicit drug discussion led by CEO Craig Vozzo, coach Brad Scott and football boss Dan McPherson that they took their concerns to the AFLPA, reports SEN’s Tom Morris.

Morris says the discussion on illicit drug use came before the club’s mid-season bye round in 2025.

While the intention of the meeting centred on care, support and welfare, Morris believes the tone of the meeting backfired.

According to Morris, players felt the CEO crossed the line and breached boundaries regarding player confidentiality.

“This stems from a meeting at the club in late June before the team’s bye round,” Morris said on Nine News.

“On the agenda, illicit drug use. Leading the meeting was CEO Craig Vozzo, alongside coach Brad Scott and football boss Dan McPherson.

“Vozzo claims the intention of the discussion was simply centred on care, support, welfare and also education before the players went on leave; however, the tone of the meeting clearly backfired.

“Some players felt Vozzo crossed the line, breaching boundaries regarding drug use and players’ confidentiality.

“Players were so affronted that they took their concerns to the union, the AFLPA, saying Vozzo was heavy-handed and that he’d implied there was a drug problem within the group.

“Their view was that at least one of Vozzo, Scott or McPherson should’ve raised the contents of the meeting with the leaders before taking it to the wider group.

“It’s understood that the AFLPA then contacted Vozzo directly to discuss the drug code and to educate him on the best way to have these conversations with players.

“Vozzo accepted the feedback.”

Under the current AFL illicit drugs policy, doctors are not compelled to inform the club’s hierarchy of any positive tests for illicit drugs, with confidentiality needed to protect players from that information being used in things like contract talks.