AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon Says He Has No Concerns About the Sydney Swans’ Culture
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon is speaking at a press conference ahead of the finals series.
Dillon will likely face questions over the AFL’s handling of the Sydney Swans scandal, as well as details on allegations of drug use by the players.
‘It’s a learning experience for the club’
Dillon said he’s not concerned about the culture at the Swans, saying that he met with the club a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s a learning experience for the club,” he says.
“It’s something they’ll continue to work through.”
He adds that he got a call from the Swans CEO about the incident to be informed.
Five players — Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon — have been stood down by the Sydney Swans for breaching the club’s standards on drinking and staying out late following last Sunday’s win over Essendon in Melbourne.
Police from Victoria’s sexual crimes squad are separately investigating a report of sexual assault, which the ABC understands centres on a player allegedly touching a woman without her consent.
A police investigation is still underway, but no charges have been laid or arrests made.
On Saturday, police provided an update about the investigation being undertaken by detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad.
“The exact circumstances of the matter are still being established, and a number of people have been spoken to,” the statement read.
“As the investigation remains active and ongoing, we will not be commenting further, including providing information on the specific circumstances of the matter, movements of detectives and any statements or interviews taken.”
In a statement, the Sydney Swans said the club “supports the action taken by Victoria Police in releasing today’s statement regarding the investigation”.
The club’s statement also addressed comments relating to other men, beyond the five players identified by the club, being present in the hotel room at the centre of the allegations.
“The Sydney Swans categorically confirms that no member of staff is involved in the investigation. This includes being in the hotel room central to the police investigation,” it read.
“The club reiterates that no player has been interviewed by police at this stage.”
SOURCE: ABC
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-24/afl-sydney-swans-scandal-andrew-dillon/107070342
