Swan's lifestyle 'not an issue'

Collingwood's Dane Swan emerges from the water at St Kilda this week after a team swim session. Source: Getty Images

DANE Swan's manager Liam Pickering has dismissed suggestions the Collingwood star has a lifestyle problem.

Pickering met Magpie officials on Friday to discuss the 2011 Brownlow Medal winner, angry about media reports calling for Swan to be sacked for allegedly being a disruptive influence.

While Pickering would not reveal what was said at the meeting, he backed the Magpie midfielder against claims of poor conduct during the off-season.

"There is no problem (with Swan),'' Pickering told the Herald Sun. "We've discussed it, we know where he is at, and we move on.''

"He (Swan) is across exactly what needs to be done.''

Earlier, Pickering said on SEN radio he had not asked Swan about the allegations that his off-field behaviour had become a serious issue.

"There wasn't a lot of facts to it,'' Pickering said of the call to sack Swan.

Asked whether he had quizzed his clients about whether drugs had become a serious issue for AFL footballers, Pickering said: "Why would I? If you ask them, what do you think their response would be?

"You try to educate your players, but you trust their better judgment in a situation that they will understand the implications."

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert  said this week that illegal drug use among AFL players was one of the biggest problems in the game.

Pickering said he did not believe the issue was that widespread.

"I'm not sure it's as bad as what's been reported in the industry,'' he said. "It may be (an issue). I haven't come across it. I don't see it as a massive problem.''

The Herald Sun yesterday revealed a spike in AFL players self-reporting the use of drugs to AFL medical directors Dr Peter Harcourt and Dr Harry Unglik.

By self-reporting, players avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their name.

It is understood that the AFL and the AFL Players Association are in talks about improving the illicit drugs policy.

An AFL spokesman said: "The AFL's medical directors and the AFL Players Association review the illicit drugs policy each year to ensure it continues to reflect best practice. The policy and its stringent player testing regime enables proactive intervention and treatment, and helps to highlight emerging trends.

"The AFL and its medical directors have made recommendations to the AFLPA in relation to aspects of the illicit drugs policy and these discussions are continuing.'' 

Picture gallery: Magpies hit the beach
 

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