In a triumphant moment on the field, the Sydney Swans AFLW team made history with record-breaking attendance, as an enthusiastic crowd turned out to cheer for the women’s team amid a serious scandal overshadowing the men’s team.
On Sunday afternoon, the crowd swelled to 16,672 fans, shattering the team’s previous attendance benchmark of 8,264. The infectious energy at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) marked a new high for the women’s club.
The Swans AFLW squad graced the SCG for just the second time in their tenure, taking center stage in a historic double-header event before the men’s team played.
Despite anticipations of a large spectator walk-out in protest before the men’s match, the stands largely held firm, with a few patrons seen departing, some waving protest signs, according to media reports.
Amid these events, the men’s side faced its own challenges as five players, including prominent figures Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, faced suspensions for the remainder of the AFL season due to violations involving late-night outings and drinking.
No one has been arrested or charged, as Sex Crimes Squad detectives continue to investigate.
Several fans told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency that they still supported the club despite feeling disappointed in players involved in the scandal.
“We support the club wholeheartedly,” Swans supporter Russell Le-Guier said.
“The club itself is what this is about, not the individual players, they’ll come and go over the years, but it’s the club itself that we support.”
Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said: “The five players made a terrible mistake.”
“However, they are part of our club, and as such we will do everything in our power to care for them,” he said during a pre-game event.
“We do not excuse their behaviour. We do not ignore the impact it has had on so many people — and in particular women.”
Don’t punish the other players, fans say
Speaking with AAP, several fans said they were supportive of the men on the field.
Rosalie Le-Guier said she’d be cheering just as loud, if not louder than usual, when the men took the field.
“You don’t punish the boys in the rest of the team,” she said.
“We’re here to support the club. We’re here to support the rest of the players.”
Another Swans fan, Kate Hipsley said she wouldn’t be walking out of the stadium.
“As far as we know, the men playing in the men’s game have not done anything wrong and they will be hurting as well,” she said.
“I don’t care about the premiership — it’s more important than premierships — you care for the culture of the team, which has taken a huge hit.”
Supporter David McGilchrist said he was generally happy with how the club had dealt with the scandal, despite being disappointed.
“I’m disappointed, and I’ve got a bit of anger now as well of what’s happened, but a lot of disappointment and massive shock,” he said.
“But I’m here to support the girls, the men, the club.”
‘Healing and moving forward’
Pridham said the club intends to rebuild trust in the community.
“While we are deeply shocked and disappointed with what transpired, we believe that since it occurred, we have acted with honesty, dignity and urgency,” he said.
“Now we begin the process of healing and moving forward.”
That will involve a better understanding of “how our cultural pillars failed to prevent such a thing from happening”, he elaborated.
Investigation continues
Three women at the centre of the alleged sexual assault scandal have not spoken publicly as they consider potential civil claims.
It’s understood the women joined players at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel after the Swans’ win over Essendon last Sunday night.
One of the trio, who has engaged personal injury specialists Slater and Gordon, was navigating an “incredibly traumatic experience”, according to senior attorney Jackson Pannam.
He says the firm has been asked to determine whether the woman, who has put multiple sexual assault allegations to police, has grounds to file a civil claim.
Pannam said the woman contacted police immediately after the alleged assaults and that her world had been turned upside down.
Another law firm is also reportedly helping two of the women prepare to launch action in the Victorian Supreme Court.
”We are currently investigating the circumstances and preparing to commence legal proceedings against the club and potentially the individuals involved,” Carbone Lawyers partner Manny Carbone told The Age on Friday.
Fellow lawyer John Karantzis said the two women he represented were suffering severe stress and anxiety and feared for their lives after being subjected to “abhorrent actions”.
“There’s a lot of interest in this case and they are literally in hiding and they are suffering,” he told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
Karantzi claimed more than five men were in the room at the Pullman but refused to comment when asked if coaches were present.
The Swans have “categorically” denied any of their staff were in the hotel room and said none are involved in the investigation.
The AFL’s integrity unit is also investigating.
— With additional reporting from the AAP.