Victorian Premier John Brumby has suggested the AFL further tighten its drugs policy in the wake of Ben Cousins' health scare.

Cousins was released from hospital on Tuesday after taking the wrong dosage of a prescribed sleeping medication.

The Brownlow Medallist was in intensive care on Monday, but was released from hospital the following day.

Mr Brumby said footballers should not feel the need to "feed yourself up on drugs" before a game and there was scope to improve the message clubs sent to fans.

"The AFL's got a very strong position in relation to illegal drugs but I think anything they can do to move to a more drug-free culture is a good message to send," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The AFL has its own illicit drugs policy, as well as abiding by the WADA anti-doping policy.

Mr Brumby said footballers using legal drugs did not set a good example, particularly for young fans.

Just how legal drug taking could be managed was a matter for the AFL, he said.

"As a general rule in life moderation is a good thing and I would say that that's a good, commonsense rule for the AFL and for footballers to try and set the best possible example," the premier said.

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