The assessment of the SIA focuses on the statements provided to it by Andrew Wilkie and centred on the allegations made in the statements that the AFL sanctioned an illegal drug testing regime that was detrimental to players and potentially in breach of the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC). 

Sport Integrity Australia recognises that the relevant parties involved in the assessment were open and transparent and had a collective intent to ensure the future of the game was safe and maintained the highest level of integrity. The assessment identified a number of key issues that are relevant to all sport in Australia, particularly in relation to managing integrity risks where players are exposed to illicit drug use.

Key findings: 

-The assessment made a number of important recommendations, but concluded that there had been no breaches of the World Anti-Doping Code through Anti-Doping Rule Violation by AFL players or support staff, or through the feigning of injuries to cover up positive drug tests during the week by AFL or club doctors. 

-In terms of the AFL's obligations as a signatory to the WADC, the assessment noted the organisation's anti-doping education responsibilities under the Code and acknowledged that the AFL has a current anti-doping education plan. However, SIA identified the need for the AFL to enhance its education at all levels of the game and the Agency has agreed to work with the AFL on its programme. 

- SIA noted that the AFL's Illicit Drugs Policy operates independently of the National Anti-Doping Scheme and recognises that while both ultimately aim to protect health and promote integrity in sport, they operate under different objectives and frameworks. It concluded that there were no irreconcilable inconsistencies between the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy and the National Anti-Doping Scheme, but recommended that the AFL formalise a framework to maximise the opportunities arising from the implementation of both policies. The confidential nature of the medical model (between doctor and player) prevented the AFL from sharing information publicly, creating a level of suspicion.

Through the assessment, the SIA identified the threat to integrity posed by the purchase of illicit drugs by players and noted that this is an issue relevant to all sport in Australia. The SIA noted the long-established AFL Integrity Unit and the fact that the AFL is one of the few sports to have an Illicit Drugs Policy in place. The SIA recommends the continued development of the AFL's intelligence capability to deal with emerging threats. 

The SIA assessment makes eight key recommendations that the agency believes will enhance the development of a new Illicit Drugs Policy and provide greater integrity protection for the AFL, AFL clubs, players, and support staff.

Key recommendations: 

-The need for a level of independent oversight of the Illicit Drugs Policy. 

-Guidelines for AFL sanctioned testing for illicit drugs under the policy. 

-Further development of the intelligence capability of the AFL's Integrity Unit. 

-Testing of AFLW players under the new policy. 

-Development of a strategy to tackle the use of illicit drugs by non-players. 

-Raising awareness of the Illicit Drugs Policy and Anti-Doping Policy. 

-Continue to develop the AFL's education program.

Sport Integrity Australia CEO David Sharpe said the issue of illicit drug use was a significant challenge for Australian sport. "The whole of Australian sport is at a crossroads in dealing with illicit drug use, the mental health and well-being of players and the criminal infiltration of sport. Significant intervention is required immediately to address the illicit drug culture in sport and the increasing and unacceptable risks posed to players, officials, clubs, and sporting codes," he said. 

"Sport Integrity Australia, along with several partner organisations, has identified evidence across Australian sport of the clear dangers of criminals influencing sport through the supply of illicit drugs, including by preying on athletes or support staff to gain inside information." 

"Without significant cultural intervention to address the illicit drug culture in all sports, Sport Integrity Australia is concerned about the serious impact on the health and well-being of players, and the potential to bring a code or team into disrepute through integrity threats." 

David Sharpe said the AFL could lead the way in this area. He added that the agency would continue to strengthen its engagement with the AFL and the wider sporting community to improve our awareness of the threat environment, including the use of illicit drugs. He is expected to retire from the role on 2 August.