Dean Cox, the coach of the Sydney Swans, has voiced his “Yeah, obviously extremely disappointed with what’s happened and understand the questions and we’ll update as we get more information,” as the club, alongside the AFL, deliberates on potentially standing down several players implicated in an alleged sexual assault investigation.
On Monday, Victoria police responded to a report of sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne during the early hours of the morning.
The Swans had stayed at this hotel following their 36-point victory over Essendon at the MCG on Sunday evening, a win that secured them second place on the AFL ladder and a home qualifying final in three weeks.
Tuesday morning saw Cox address reporters outside the team’s headquarters briefly.
“We’re working our way through everything with the AFL and the relevant parties, and, yeah, we’ll update where we get more information.” he stated.
When asked about potential sanctions for any players, he replied, “we’ll speak as the day unfolds”
He did not confirm whether he had spoken to the players involved, indicating that “We’re still piecing together exactly what’s transpired here and have our own set of internal inquiries ongoing,”
Club’s Response to Allegations
On Monday afternoon, Sydney’s CEO, Matthew Pavlich, acknowledged that several players were involved in an “But safe to say that we’re extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place and that the players have found themselves in this situation.” but declined to specify if any had been arrested.
Pavlich mentioned that the club was cooperating with the AFL and relevant authorities, but due to the ongoing police investigation, he could not provide additional details.
“We’re still piecing together exactly what’s transpired here and have our own set of internal inquiries ongoing,” Pavlich noted.
He added, “But safe to say that we’re extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place and that the players have found themselves in this situation.”
Investigation Status
As of Monday evening, no charges had been filed against any players in relation to the investigation, which remains active.
The AFL has not yet released a statement regarding the issue; however, it is likely that its integrity unit will become involved.
Unlike the NRL, the AFL does not enforce a strict no-fault stand-down policy for players facing serious charges, such as sexual assault.
Nonetheless, the AFL had previously stood down Geelong’s Tanner Bruhn for the entire 2025 season while sexual assault allegations against him were pending in court, although those charges were eventually dropped. Bruhn, who maintained his innocence, returned to play this year.
Upcoming Matches and Implications
If the Swans decide to stand down players, a decision is expected before the team’s selection later this week.
The Swans are scheduled to play against North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
Sydney must announce its extended squad on Thursday evening, followed by a final cut to 23 players plus three emergencies on Friday.
They will have a week off during the wildcard round before their home qualifying final.
The investigation has cast a shadow over the Swans’ season, significantly impacting the club just ahead of the finals.
AAP has reached out to the AFL for comment.
