Former police officer steps aside from country football over sexual assault charges

Former police officer steps aside from country football over sexual assault charges Mon 15 Jun 2026 at 2:35pm In short: A former police officer and female country footballer is facing four sexual assault charges over a 2022 incident. The Wedge Tailed Eagles Football Club says the player has stepped aside from the club. What's next? The matter is due to return to court in November. A women's football club in central Victoria says a player has stepped aside after sexual assault charges against her were revealed. Court documents show former police officer Lucy Lenius is facing four sexual assault charges over an incident in April 2022, in Melbourne's western suburbs. Ms Lenius's charges related to allegedly intentionally touching a complainant in a sexual manner without consent. She has played throughout the season for the Kyneton-based Wedge Tailed Eagles Football Club, including on Sunday, before the club first became aware of the charges on Monday through media reporting, the club said in a statement. "The club is reviewing the matter and seeking advice from our governing bodies regarding the appropriate processes to be followed," the statement said. "The player has agreed to step aside from the club and all club activities pending the resolution of the charges." The Wedge Tailed Eagles formed in 2024 after claims of disrespect and inadequate treatment at their former club, and cites its mission as creating a "safe, inclusive and supportive environment" for women and gender-diverse people. The club said it would not be making further comments due to it being an active legal matter. The Central Victoria Football League has been contacted for comment. Victoria Police said it would be inappropriate to comment as the matter was before the courts but confirmed the woman was no longer an officer with Victoria Police. The case is due to return to Sunshine Magistrates' Court in November. It comes as ABC Regional Investigations examines the behaviour of grassroots football clubs in dealing with allegations of abuse and mistreatment. After ABC reporting last month, a south-west Victorian football club reversed a decision to allow a convicted sex offender to return to the field after he was jailed for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.