Governor-general 'shocked and troubled' by Sydney Swans allegation

Governor-General Sam Mostyn 'shocked and troubled' by sexual assault allegation linked to Sydney Swans In short: The governor-general, a former Swans board member and the first female AFL commissioner, says her thoughts are with the alleged victim of an incident linked to Sydney Swans players. Ms Mostyn says she is devastated for other women who have been hurt by the alleged incident. What's next? A Victoria Police investigation into the incident is ongoing. Governor General Sam Mostyn says she is "shocked and troubled" by a sexual assault allegation linked to Sydney Swans players, declaring it an important reminder of the need for "constant vigilance for respectful treatment of women everywhere". Ms Mostyn, previously a Sydney Swans board member and the first woman AFL commissioner, told the ABC her first thoughts were with the alleged sexual assault victim, and she hoped the woman was being "very well supported". "I was shocked and troubled by the allegation of sexual assault against Swans players stemming from the weekend in Melbourne," Ms Mostyn said. "At times like this, we are reminded to never take for granted the need for constant vigilance for respectful treatment of women everywhere; across clubs, the AFL, sport, and the community generally." Ms Mostyn said her thoughts were with all women harmed by the episode across the wider AFL community. "The most important thing in moments like this is to fully accept responsibility, be accountable and take appropriate action," Ms Mostyn said. "My thoughts remain with the alleged sexual assault victim, and I hope she is very well supported. I am also devastated for the women of the Swans, whether they are players, staff, fans and everyone involved in the club and women across the industry who have been hurt by this incident." "Sadly, the lack of respect for women across the country remains an issue for us all to be concerned about, particularly in sport. We must all, men and women, constantly strive for respect for everyone, to educate our youngest players and fans, and that responsibility to educate is held by so many; administrators, leaders and players of the sport, all of whom shape culture." "I note Australia still has appalling statistics when it comes to domestic and sexual violence against women." When asked if there needed to be more women in positions of influence in AFL clubs and the media, she noted her own experience of being appointed the first woman to the AFL Commission in 2005. During her 11-year tenure, she was influential in creating the landmark AFLW competition, and she is expected to attend the Swans AFLW team's home game this weekend. She most recently attended the guernsey presentation for the Swans AFLW team. "My own experience of joining the Commission in 2005 is instructive," she said. "Bringing a woman's perspective to the game was incredibly important, and today we need to remain committed to bringing more women into positions of influence in the AFL and all sports. "We need more women inside the game, from coaching, administration, leadership and governance. And that's also across all sport. The more diverse and representative people are in club culture and sports culture, the greater confidence we can have in safe places for women, and everyone." Ms Mostyn noted advancements have been made across all football codes, making them more welcoming spaces for women and girls. "I believe great progress has been made to make sure women are represented in sport, most notably with our much-loved women's teams from across the football codes, including Australian Rules football, Rugby League, Rugby Union and soccer. We have seen this magnificent and timely inclusion and celebration of women across our football codes, and today, little boys and girls know women are welcome and respected across our sporting landscape," she said. "I committed myself to put care, kindness and respect at the centre of my work when I became governor-general, and I believe that is what most Australians want all our leaders and role models to show; that everyone can feel respected, welcome and safe in any workplace, sporting, or community context." "But again we must ensure that women are present and valued for their insights, experience and contribution to establishing respectful environments, at all levels of leadership, coaching, administration. Sport must be a safe place for everybody. Particularly women in the football codes. We all have a duty to call out bad behaviour whenever we see it and always encourage and teach what respectful behaviour requires of us all." Club stands down players over behaviour code breaches The Swans suspended Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season over an alleged incident at a Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday morning. At least five players were linked to an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel, where the Swans were staying after their win over Essendon on Sunday night. It is not suggested that any of the players are being accused of sexual assault, and none of the banned players has been formally interviewed by police, according to the club, or charged. Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Matthew Pavlich have stressed the decision to ban the players is solely related to breaches of the club's standards and expected behaviour. The bans handed to the players, according to the club bosses, relate to their decision to continue drinking late into the night and bring women back to the hotel.