AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has downplayed claims that the league manipulated its illicit drug-testing policy to target specific players, despite ongoing clashes with the AFL Players' Association over the issue.

The AFLPA brought the policy into question after suspicions grew over whether the AFL was using confidential data from illicit drug tests to form a targeted hit list for Sports Integrity Australia (SIA) to then conduct performance-enhancing drug tests.

When asked about the issue, Dillon could not provide any specifics as to how the AFL targets certain players.

"What I will say is that there's a whole range of factors that go into the targeting and the list of players to be tested under the performance-enhancing code and it is a non-exhaustive list and there's a lot of factors that go into it," Dillon said in an interview with AFL Media.

This issue comes as the AFL also moves to tighten its existing illicit drugs policy, proposing a $5000 fine for a first offence instead of the current $5000 suspended fine that is currently in place.

The AFL draws the refinement of this policy up to player wellbeing and says that despite their issues with it, the AFLPA are constructive in their discussions.

"It is absolutely a health and wellbeing model," Dillon said.

"It is about education. About treatment and rehabilitation. But a stronger form of deterrence is the pointy end of the discussion at the moment.

"We want to review and refine the policy, and strengthen it in some areas and we are having some really constructive discussions with the AFLPA.

"It is a tripartite policy and we want everyone to be comfortable with that, and if that takes a bit longer, the robust discussions actually help you get to the right place."

Sydney Swans midfielder Caiden Cleary missed the Swans' first two clashes of the season, serving a two-match ban after being caught in possession of illicit drugs.

Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reported that an agreement between the two parties is nearing, saying the players have had a win in the discussions.

"(But now) I think it's really close to a conclusion ... I believe there will be mandatory all-round, year-round hair testing. What won't happen, and the Commission wanted this, but the players have had a win here, is the fine," Wilson said on Channel 7's The Agenda Setters.

"I don't think there will be fines in the first instance, nor will many more people be involved in knowing the identity of the players in the first instance, the club doctor and the AFL medicos will still know, as will certain people in AFL integrity unit.

"The only extra people the AFL are going to really push for and, I think they'll get a win here, is an extra club person, not a CEO, not a footy GM, but probably a psychologist or a welfare type official at the club."