Eddie's EPO fear at bench change

The substitute will remain, but there will be a cap on the number of interchange rotations next season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Eddie McGuire has warned a change could lead to drug use. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

EDDIE McGuire has sensationally declared a cap on interchange rotations could drive AFL players towards taking performance-enhancing drugs.

The Collingwood president today declared the mooted cap of 80 rotations per match could result in players doping to be able to run out games, such is the emphasis on endurance athletes now.

The AFL baulked at announcing its second change to the interchange system in three years after introducing the 3-1 substitute rule in 2011, with the commission deciding against the mooted change.

Clubs were hopeful that if the league insisted on change it would opt for a 3-2 policy, expanding the bench to five but including two substitutes.

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"They're driving players into taking EPO," McGuire said on Triple M.

"It's going to drive professional sports people into the ground by making the game deliberately so they are exhausted.

"All I'm saying is that we're now driving players to a situation where they will be looking to get their endurance up.

"I'm not saying it's going to be widespread, I hope it's not.

"There's only so many times you can train… what they are trying to do is make the players tired."

EPO boosts endurance by enabling blood to carry more oxygen to muscles.

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The infamous drug has been at the centre of the Lance Armstrong drug scandal and has long marred cycling.

The AFL Players' Association has resisted another change to the bench rules and has won its wish for at least one more season.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou ignored McGuire's comments, saying: "I'm not sure what Eddie's talking about there."

Former coach Terry Wallace praised the theory, telling the Herald Sun: "I think that's better than two interchange and two subs.

"It's the best of both worlds."

Under the AFL's drugs code any players which test positive to performance-enhancing drugs would face lengthy bans.
 

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