The incident involving the Sydney Swans has intensified the debate over the AFL's policy on violence against women
A suspected criminal incident involving players from the Australian club Sydney Swans at the Pullman Hotel has sparked a debate about the Australian Football League’s (AFL) response to allegations of violence against women. According to ABC News Australia, a woman claimed that one of the players touched her without her consent, which she considered sexual assault. Police are continuing their investigation, and no charges have been filed.
The woman who reported the sexual assault told the Herald Sun that she intends to seek justice. This incident has once again drawn attention to the AFL’s lack of a clear policy for the automatic temporary suspension of athletes pending the outcome of an investigation. A similar mechanism has been in place in the National Rugby League (NRL) since March 2019.
Under NRL rules, a player is suspended from matches while retaining his salary if he is charged with a serious crime carrying a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison or more. Such a suspension does not imply an admission of guilt. The NRL commissioner also has the discretion to suspend players in cases involving women or children, regardless of the maximum penalty.
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The AFL Players’ Association had previously opposed a blanket policy of such suspensions, citing the presumption of innocence. After charges were dropped against Geelong player Tanner Brun, whom the AFL had suspended for the entire 2025 season, the association called the decision premature and disproportionate. According to the ABC, the charges against Brun were dropped after a key witness admitted to lying. This week, a representative of the association said it is ready to discuss the relevant policy.
The Australian Prime Minister stated that the AFL needs to do better and cited the NRL’s approach. Governor-General Sam Mostin, who served on the Sydney Swans’ board for six seasons, said she was shocked and concerned by the allegations against the team. She noted that her thoughts were with the alleged victim and emphasized the need for ongoing attention to ensuring respect for women in sports and society.
Former soccer player and commentator Kate McCarthy called on the AFL to take a deeper look at its own culture and attitudes toward women. She also criticized remarks made by Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich, who, when commenting on the situation, said that the players “found themselves in this situation.” Former Sydney Swans captain Kieran Jack stated that the club’s culture, which is based on respect, now seems broken to him, and that disrespect toward women is unacceptable. Former head coach John Longmire also said that it will take time for the club community to rebuild trust.
