Collingwood great Tony Shaw ambushes his old teammate Gavin Crosisca on live radio to tell him he would've had him SACKED if he'd known about his drug problem

Collingwood great Tony Shaw has bluntly told former teammate Gavin Crosisca on live radio that he would have sacked him if he was aware of his ongoing illicit drug problem during his decorated playing days.

The pair famously won a AFL premiership together in 1900 - but Shaw didn't hesitate to say he would have shown Crosisca the door.

They were discussing the code's policy on drugs in  light of reports up to 100 players have reportedly been granted secret immunity under the sport's three-strike policy.

Last week the AFL was rocked after Independent Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie told federal parliament about accusations raised by former Melbourne Demons club doctor Zeeshan Arain and football club president Glen Bartlett.

Wilkie alleged that footy stars who tested positive for drugs in secret tests would then fake injuries to avoid testing positive on game days.

The AFL responded by declaring they were 'unapologetic', explaining they were committed to 'player wellbeing and welfare' - and by players not taking the field, they were not breaking doping rules.

Speaking on 3AW Radio, Shaw didn't mince his words.

'I don't think I've ever said this to you,' Shaw told Crosisca.

'If I knew you were on drugs when I was captain at Collingwood, I would have wanted you sacked.'

Crosisca responded by stating he was 'aware' of Shaw's strong views on illicit drugs, before confirming that it would have been 'catastrophic' for him had the Pies dropped him at that stage of his career.

It comes after Crosisca admitted in 2012 to leading a 'double life', revealing he was addicted to alcohol, cannabis and speed during his time in top-flight footy.

His habits cost the AFL player turned coach his house, business, financial stability - and at one stage, his family.

'I used to go to bed every night saying to myself that was it, no more. I've got too much to lose,' he told Fox Sports.

'I've got a beautiful wife, I've got three great kids, what am I doing? I'd go to bed and pray, just to get me through this, let me stop.

'And the next morning it's all I'm thinking about, scoring again. I had that feeling of complete powerlessness over my addiction for years.'

Crosisca hit rock bottom when he planned to stage a robbery of a pub he co-owned so he could collect the $60,000 takings to fuel his drug habit - before finally getting sober.

In his playing days, he admitted he often boarded interstate flights with joints on him, and was often terrified a sniffer dog would alert authorities. 

He wants his story to be a cautionary tale for other footy stars to ensure they stay on the right path.

Crosisca is now a director at Sober Living Rehab in Melbourne and also works with Collingwood's well-being department.