AFL legend Lance Franklin has discussed the Sydney Swans incident, branding it a “sad time” for his former club.
Buddy shared his thoughts for the women involved before discussing the decision to stand down five players – Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice.
He described the incident as a “disaster” for the Swans season, though he was left impressed by how the team rallied to beat North Melbourne by 53 points on Sunday.
You can watch what Buddy said in the player above.
“Obviously there’s an alleged victim a part of this, so our thoughts are with them,” Franklin said on The Buddy and Shane Show.
“What a sad time for the footy club. An absolute disaster for them at this stage.
“I know it’s separate to what’s happening and footy is secondary to what took place, but all I can say is their performance on the weekend and the way they galvanised showed the club is very united, but our thoughts are with the alleged victims here.
“They looked hungry, the Swans, I thought North were a chance to beat them, but they looked hungry and energised by a few young players coming in.
“You get yourself into a strong position with that second chance in finals, but they are coming up against Brisbane.”
There were emotional scenes at the SCG at full-time, with Swans captain Callum Mills and Errol Gulden in tears.
“I’m so grateful for our fans for sticking with us,” Mills told Kayo Sports.
“We stayed united as a club this week and I’m really proud of that.”
The Sydney five have been suspended for the remainder of the season, with finals set to get underway.
Victoria Police continue to investigate the incident after multiple allegations of sexual assault were made.
Sydney Swans officials including head coach Dean Cox, football boss Leon Cameron, head of player wellbeing and development Brett Kirk, and head of media and communications Tom Chadwick have reportedly given statements to cops.
News.com.au is not suggesting any of the staff were involved, only that they have spoken to police.
But the players who have been stood down by the club have not been formally interviewed, and no charges have been laid.
There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing, only that the incident is being investigated.
It has been alleged there was drug use inside the Pullman Hotel after topless waitresses were ordered following the Swans’ win over Essendon.
The Swans issued a public apology over the incident last week while denying claims there were more than five players in the hotel room.
“We are deeply sorry to everyone involved,” a statement read.
“We know that our behaviour has fallen well short of the standards expected of us and the values of our club.
“We know we have let down our partners and families, members, supporters, teammates, the AFLW team, corporate partners and everyone at the club and in the wider community.
“We accept the club sanction and apologise for the impact this has had on those involved.
“Our focus will now be on rebuilding trust with the club and the community.”
Swans president Andrew Pridham has promised a review into the club’s culture, with the AFL refusing to launch their own investigation while the police continue to probe.
“The AFL won’t get involved while a police investigation is underway,” AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said.
“I think the actions of a few don’t take away from the thousands of people involved in football at all different levels who do great things all the time.
“But what we do know is that we can do things better – and we’ll continue to do that and we’ll continue to get better.”
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