Five Swans banned by club for rest of the AFL season

Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox confirmed the club would make a statement today following a board meeting on Tuesday night where they were deciding on sanctions and penalties for a group of players they believe “are in serious breach of expected club behaviour and standards”.

There is an ongoing police investigation into a possible sexual assault allegation following events at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel on Sunday night and into Monday morning after the Swans victory over Essendon. The investigation is being handled by Victoria Police’s sexual crimes squad.

Cox arrived at Swans HQ at about 6.47am on Wednesday, where he told reporters “the club will make a statement”, when asked if there would be some kind of resolution today.

Asked is there still a feeling of disappointment in the club, Cox said: “yeah, there is”.

Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich is expected to front the media this afternoon to address possible suspensions for involved players and answer questions.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon suggested the players could also face sanctions from the governing body, irrespective of the outcome of the police investigation into a sexual assault allegation.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the Swans said it was appropriate “to take firm action” and highlight that any sanction they take as a club relates “solely” to their standards of expected behaviour.

“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 Swans’ statement read.

“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.”

The group of five players, who had remained in Melbourne on Monday behind the rest of the team as it travelled back to Sydney, attended separate meetings with senior club and team officials away from Swans headquarters after driving home to NSW.

The meetings were to discuss the events of Sunday night and Monday morning, which led to a police investigation into an allegation of sexual assault.