Despite "serious concerns" from the AFL Players Association about a stringent testing regime that Ben Cousins will have endure if he wishes to return to the game, the decision and the conditions are not negotiable.

As expected yesterday, Cousins - after serving his 12-month suspension for bringing the game into disrepute - was cleared by the AFL Commission to return. However, his return hinges on several rules and regulations, not standard to those imposed on an "ordinary" AFL player, a fact that has upset the players' association.

Among the conditions, in addition to any testing under the AFL drug and anti-doping policies, Cousins will be subject to urine tests up to three times a week and undergo hair tests up to four times during the year.

He must co-operate fully with any request to provide a sample for testing, must not fail to provide a sample immediately upon request, delay, hinder or obstruct the taking of a sample or tamper with any sample and he must also attend any drug rehabilitation program or see any medical expert nominated by the AFL. Should he breach any of these conditions, he will be immediately suspended pending a hearing.

The players' association issued a statement last night saying it was encouraged that Cousins has been cleared to play, but held "serious concerns that the AFL Commission resolution is inconsistent with the terms of the AFL illicit drugs policy in a number of material ways", and that it was not consulted in relation to any policy departures.

"The substance of the AFL Players Association submission to the AFL Commission in support of Ben Cousins's application was that the illicit drugs policy is sufficiently robust to deal with the present circumstances without the need for additional onerous conditions being imposed," the statement said.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said while the AFL had contacted the association, the decision was for the commission to make. It was a difficult one, but one by which it stood.

"This is a decision that will stand," he said. "This is a very difficult issue that we have been dealing with and, on the balance, we think it's the right decision.

"The AFL Commission has demonstrated over a long period of time that it is here to make decisions on behalf of the clubs, the stakeholders, the game.

"Sometimes you've got to make difficult decisions … you've got to balance the interest of a wide range of stakeholders but … we're confident in the decision we have made today.

"This is a very difficult issue, balancing the expectations of the football community and expectations of Ben Cousins, and our commitment to player welfare, they are difficult issues to grapple with but based on the best medical advice … this is the decision we have made."

Demetriou was quizzed about how the AFL could have a policy for one player and not others, but he said that just like the decision to ban Cousins a year ago, this was "an exceptional decision for an exceptional set of circumstances".

Earlier this year, Demetriou said clubs could lose competition points or even a premiership if their players returned positive drugs tests on match days. He was asked if this would be a risk for potential suitors of Cousins.

"Of course there is [a risk]. Ben is battling a very difficult illness and in any of these situations there is a risk of relapse …" Demetriou said the testing regime should reduce the possibility of a relapse.