THE Federal Government will today demand an unprecedented zero-tolerance strategy on illicit drugs in the AFL, setting the scene for a major confrontation with the league and its players.

A day after some of the game's biggest stars made a public stand against the push for a tougher policy, the Government is expected to tell the AFL that any players testing positive for drugs a first time must be named and suspended immediately. Sources said the Government was considering sanctions — including the withdrawal of millions of dollars in funding to the AFL and access to Australian Institute of Sport programs — if its demands were not met.

The plan will be put to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou today by the minister responsible for drugs policy, Christopher Pyne, and Sports Minister George Brandis.

The meeting comes after Treasurer Peter Costello attacked the league's existing "three strikes" policy, under which players are named and suspended only after a third positive test, as soft. "I think if a test comes up positive and you are using an illegal drug then I think right from the outset action ought to be taken," he said. He also said that positive tests should be referred to the police.

But the Government faces a battle, with Demetriou expected to stick by the existing policy, and players furious that they are being singled out from other sporting codes.

Essendon star James Hird yesterday led a stand by leading AFL players, who suggested that if the Government was serious about its move, politicians and senior public servants should undergo the same recreational drug tests that applied to footballers. The players accused the Government of unfairly targeting them for criticism because the AFL had an illicit-drugs policy that the vast majority of Australian sports didn't have.

"As AFL players, we are the only group that has volunteered to provide out-of-competition tests," Hird said. "Why do Government ministers criticise us for expanding their fight against illicit drugs?

"Would Government ministers prefer we withdrew support for the AFL policy and simply agreed to no tests out-of-competition — the same arrangement which applies to cyclists, cricketers, swimmers and soccer players?

They said if the AFL was soft on drugs, how did the Government characterise all other Australian sports which did not test their athletes at all for illicit drugs on non-competition days? Only the National Rugby League conducts similar non-match-day testing for illicit drugs, but it employs a two strikes policy.

As well as Hird, the players involved in yesterday's stand against the Government were Sydney's Adam Goodes, Players Association head and Richmond veteran Joel Bowden, Adelaide's Brett Burton, Brisbane's Jonathan Brown and the Western Bulldogs' Luke Darcy. Among a list of eight questions they put to the Government were:

■Will it require all politicians and senior public servants to submit themselves to random illicit-drug testing with people being subjected to termination if they test positive at any time?

■Is the Government suggesting drug rehabilitation does not work and public funding spent in the area is a waste of money?

■Would all sports be called upon to adopt rules requiring athletes to be tested and punished for illicit drug use all year round?

■Would the Government provide objective evidence and expert opinion supporting their anti-three strikes policy position at the meeting today?

Hawthorn president for former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett has backed the players' argument, saying Senator Brandis, Mr Costello and Mr Pyne would not have credibility on the issue until they agreed to the same drug testing.

"I don't think you win Brownie points as a politician by imposing rules on others that you won't impose on your own workplace," Mr Kennett was quoted saying.

"I would simply say to all three of them, put yourself and your colleagues to the test, introduce the policy they have got in the AFL. If you want to go beyond that, do it, but do it for everyone who works in Parliament House … Set the standard, don't follow."

Hird diplomatically tiptoed around suggestions of a split between himself and Mr Costello, Essendon's number one ticket holder, over the drug issue. "I know Peter very well," Hird said. "As a person he's been very good to me. You can have a difference of opinion. This is not an issue between personalities, it's a difference of opinion."

Hird referred to five of Australia's most popular athletes. "Ricky Ponting, Grant Hackett, Harry Kewell, Lauren Jackson and George Gregan — not one of them is subject to testing for illicit drugs on non-competition days. AFL players are," he said.

While Demetriou is expected to reject the Government's push, he remained circumspect last night, saying: "We look forward to meeting the Minister for Sport and the Minister for Ageing and we welcome their recent interest in our illicit-drugs policy."