The Sydney Swans will soon announce punishments for the AFL players who breached club standards and behaviours at a Melbourne hotel.
The announcement is expected to be delivered on Wednesday morning after the club board met on Tuesday night to discuss possible repercussions as Victoria Police continue to investigate allegations of sexual assault.
Seven News reported that sanctioned players are expected to receive two match bans, or possibly more.
Coach Dean Cox appeared dejected as he arrived at Swans headquarters on Wednesday morning, remaining tight-lipped as he was ambushed by reporters.
Sydney Swans will run the penalties past the AFL first.
Victoria Police attended the East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel, near the MCG, on Monday and said they were investigating a report of sexual assault in the early hours of the morning.
The Sydney Swans board on Tuesday night to decide penalties for players who breached club standards and behaviours
Seven News reported on Wednesday that sanctioned players will cop two match bans. Pictured is Isaac Heeney
Chad Warner (pictured), Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Riley Bice have been widely named as the Swans players involved in the inquiry. None have publicly been accused of wrongdoing
The Swans stayed at the hotel on Sunday night after their win over Essendon at the MCG, guaranteeing them second spot with one game left before the finals.
Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Riley Bice have been widely named in media reports as the players involved in the inquiry.
Daily Mail does not suggest any of the players are under investigation or involved in any wrongdoing, just that they spoke to police about the alleged incident.
‘We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and any actions we take are independent of this,’ Sydney Swans said in a statement.
‘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.’
Earlier on Tuesday night, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon released a statement calling for more respect around the sexual assault allegations.
Dillon said the allegations and the conduct of the Swans players were ‘deeply concerning’.
Coach Dean Cox appeared dejected as he arrived at Swans headquarters on Wednesday morning, remaining tight-lipped as he was ambushed by reporters
Sydney Swans coach arrived at the club’s headquarters on Wednesday
James Jordon could also be sidelined
‘While the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport,’ Dillon said.
‘The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.’
Dillon took aim at widespread commentary about what the allegations would mean for the Swans, who are guaranteed second spot and two home finals.
‘Sexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season,’ Dillon said.
‘Our first question should not be what this means for a football club. It should be whether our actions match the standards we stand for and the community expects of us.
‘As a sport, and as an industry, we are clear about the standards we expect and the values we stand for and the need to uphold them.
‘Being clear about our standards also means being prepared to act when those standards are not met.’
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
