THE IMPACT from the Essendon supplements scandal appears to have trickled down to local football, with ASADA testers showing up at an Essendon District Football League game on the weekend.
ASADA has revealed the tests were conducted at the request of AFL Victoria, but the state body declined to comment when contacted by AFL.com.au.
Drug testing has occurred at VFL level before, but it is understood this is the first time such an investigation has taken place in the EDFL.
FLASHBACK TO 2013: Local footy prepares for ASADA raids
Testers reportedly randomly picked out a number of senior players from both the Essendon Doutta Stars and Craigieburn to provide samples.
"We can confirm the Australian Football League (Victoria) Limited contracted ASADA to conduct tests at this level," ASADA said on in a statement.
"ASADA implements an intelligence-based testing program, working with sports to target athletes and competitions at highest risk in an effort to deter and detect doping."
ASADA conceded it normally wouldn't discuss specific cases, but in the circumstances wanted to clarify its position.
"It is important for athletes to understand that ASADA can conduct testing on any athlete who participates in a sport with an anti-doping policy.
"Every athlete, regardless of the level of competition, has the right to compete in a sport free from doping."
In the wake of news of the Essendon supplements scandal breaking in February 2013, AFL Victoria released a statement warning that players at any level of competition run under the Laws of Australian Football were bound by the AFL Anti-Doping Code.
The statement made specific reference to community football clubs, as well as VFL and TAC Cup competitions, saying: "The strong message is that all players should check whether commercially available products they chose to source contravene the AFL Anti-Doping Code prior to purchasing or receiving them."
The Doutta Stars are coached by former Essendon player and official Dean Wallis.
Banned sports scientist Stephen Dank recently appeared at a fundraising event held by the club.
