Letter to valued members
We are writing to you today to address the events in Melbourne on Monday morning.
Five players have been found by the Club to have breached the Club’s expected standards of behaviour. This determination, and the resultant decision not to consider selecting these players for the balance of season 2026, including finals, relates specifically to their actions post-match and in the early hours of Monday morning.
Importantly, our determination that the players have breached our expected standards has been undertaken in isolation of a separate investigation by Victoria Police in relation to an alleged sexual assault. We stress that no player has been charged.
First and foremost, we would like to offer a sincere apology for the distress this incident has caused the wider community, our members, supporters, commercial partners, Academy families, staff members, athletes, their partners and families. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, particularly the women involved.
To you, our members, many who have expressed their deep concern, we understand and share the hurt many of you will be feeling. To say we are disappointed is an understatement.
We are very proud of the culture of the Sydney Swans, something that has been built over many years through the values and actions of our people and players. While we believe we largely get more right than we get wrong, clearly today is a deeply sad day for our Club and everyone connected to it.
The sanctions and decisive action we have taken demonstrate the seriousness with which we have treated this matter. It is important to stress that football considerations played no part in our decision-making. Our focus was on doing what we believe is right and upholding the standards expected of everyone who represents our Club.
The five players are all important and valued members of our team. They are remorseful for having breached Club standards. Notwithstanding the sanction, the Club continues to support the players and will welcome them back at the appropriate time. Our support for our players in no way indicates a lack of care or understanding for others impacted. Respect for women is core to our beliefs. All women deserve to feel safe and respected.
We also want to acknowledge the impact this has had on our AFLW players and staff, who have our continued support and care. The team’s first win of the 2026 season on Sunday was a great achievement, and it is deeply regrettable that their success has been overshadowed by these events. As a Club, we are now looking ahead to our first AFLW home game this Sunday, a historic double-header at the SCG. We encourage our members and supporters to get behind the team and show them the support and recognition they deserve.
We know that moving forward as a Club will take time. Every member of our community will process this in their own way, and we do not take your trust or support for granted.
We are committed to doing the work required to uphold the values, standards and culture we expect of everyone at the Sydney Swans.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Pridhman & Matthew Pavlich