The Sydney Swans have confirmed several of their footballers were involved in an “alleged incident” in Melbourne last night.
The Swans issued a statement just after midday today.
“The Swans have notified the AFL and relevant authorities and cannot provide further comment at this stage,” the club said.
Victoria Police separately issued a statement saying detectives were investigating a report of a sexual assault in East Melbourne.
The Sydney Swans stayed at the Pullman in East Melbourne last night. (ABC News)
“The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of the morning,” a spokesperson said.
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“The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”
Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich called a press conference this afternoon that lasted less than one minute.
“We’re still piecing together exactly what’s transpired here and have our own set of internal inquiries ongoing,” he said.
“Safe to say, we’re extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place and that the players have found themselves in this situation.
“We understand the level of interest in the matter and there’s going to be lots of speculation, but given it’s a police matter right now, that’s all that we can say.”
Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich addressed the media this afternoon. (ABC News)
The Swans were staying in Melbourne overnight after their 36-point win over Essendon at the MCG yesterday.
Sydney is sitting in second spot on the AFL ladder heading into the final round of the 2026 season, with the finals due to start within weeks.
The team has had 17 wins this season and is due to play its next game at home at the SCG against North Melbourne.
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Mon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:12pmMon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:12pm
Press conference finishes
That is all from Pavlich at this afternoon’s short Sydney Swans press conference.
For more on this evolving story, you can keep up to date on the ABC News website.
Mon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:10pmMon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:10pm
Sydney Swans tight-lipped
Pavlich is now acknowledging the intense media and public interest in the matter.
“There’s going to be lots of speculation, but given it’s a police matter right now, that is all we can say,” he says.
Pavlich would not comment any further and took no questions.
Mon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:09pmMon 17 Aug 2026 at 2:09pm
‘We’re extremely shocked’
Pavlich says they have their own set of internal inquiries that are ongoing.
“Safe to say, we’re extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place, and that the players have found themselves in this situation,” he says.
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