THE AFL has expanded its anti-doping code to test for EPO (glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin), CERA (continuous erythropoietin receptor activators) and HGH (human growth hormone).

EPO and CERA agents are blood-boosting hormones used to improve aerobic capacity while HGH is a powerful anabolic hormone that is known to increase muscle size and allow fatigued muscles to recover quicker.

Under the AFL's expanded anti-doping code more players will be tested in 2010.

The League, in conjunction with the Australian Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), will endeavour to conduct almost 1000 tests this year for performance enhancing drugs.

The AFL will ask for every new player to be tested at some point this year.

"The AFL, through our medical commissioners Dr Peter Harcourt and Dr Harry Unglik, constantly works with ASADA to review our anti-doping strategy, to make sure it is in line with the leading anti-doping trends and work in international sports," football operations manager Adrian Anderson said on Tuesday.
 
"Our commitment is that the AFL competition is conducted on the basis of athletic prowess and natural levels of fitness and development, and to set an example for all participants in Australian football by condemning the use of performance enhancing substances."

The AFL and ASADA have also agreed to cooperate with one another by "proactively exchanging information and intelligence".

Acting ASADA chief executive Richard Ings said that the AFL's anti-doping program was at the forefront of Australian sport.
 
"We must commend the AFL on the way they have approached the development of their anti-doping program for 2010," he said
 
"They wanted to take advantage of every anti-doping tool ASADA has to offer and show the football community and its supporters the investment the AFL is willing to make to achieve pure performance in the sport."