A Sydney Swans board meeting on Tuesday night is expected to penalise several players for their behaviour prior and separate to an alleged sexual assault incident in East Melbourne — with two games each reportedly expected to be the minimum ban.
Several reports on Monday revealed that in the wake of their club’s six-goal win over Essendon on Sunday evening, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice all spoke with Victoria Police in relation to the broader incident at the Pullman Hotel.
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The Age reported on Tuesday night that a fifth player, Nick Blakey, also remained in Melbourne as police began enquiries into the broader incident. Blakey’s agent insists that the player has not spoken with police, even informally, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing.
Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault made following the incident, which has since been referred to the Sexual Crimes Squad.
Foxfooty.com.au is not suggesting any of the aforementioned players are under investigation by police, only that they are assisting with enquiries.
In a club statement released just before 8pm AEST on Tuesday night, the Swans confirmed their board were meeting to determine punishments for the conduct of players independent to the investigation being made by Victoria Police.
“The Sydney Swans can confirm that the club board will meet tonight to agree on player sanctions and penalties, now that the Club has concluded its interviews with all the players involved in the incident in Melbourne,” it read.
“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and any actions we take are independent of this.
“The club believes the players are in serious breach of expected Club behaviour and standards, and it is appropriate to take firm action and highlight that any sanction we impose relates solely to those breaches.
The club also acknowledges that these serious allegations impact others and their wellbeing must be paramount.
“The Sydney Swans condemn all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women. Any conduct that causes offence or harm to others is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations. All women deserve to be respected and feel safe.
“We also want to acknowledge that the care and welfare of our AFLW athletes and staff is of the utmost importance to us as a Club. They have been and will continue to be offered the support they require and we acknowledge the impact these allegations have on our female athletes, staff members and the wider community.
“Any further sanctions or decisions regarding the outcome of the police investigation would take place after that process is completed.”
See the full statement in the live blog below.
