AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has not ruled out further punishing the five players engulfed in a sexual assault allegation as he fronted the press for the first time since the incident.<\/p>\n
Dillon said there\u2019s \u201cpotential\u201d for further AFL sanctions if more \u201cinformation comes to light\u201d but in the meantime the league would not be conducting any of its own inquiries until after the police investigation is concluded.<\/p>\n
Melbourne police continue to probe an allegation of sexual assault and travelled to Sydney last week for questioning.<\/p>\n
The Swans stood down five players in the aftermath of the incident – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice.<\/p>\n
Dillon hinted at the AFL potentially launching an investigation into the incident, but not while the police are still looking into the matter.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe AFL won\u2019t get involved while a police investigation is underway,\u201d Dillon said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the actions of a few don\u2019t take away from the thousands of people involved in football at all different levels who do great things all the time. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut what we do know is that we can do things better – and we\u2019ll continue to do that and we\u2019ll continue to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dillon was also asked about an audio recording that has emerged in recent days, allegedly concerning the women involved in the incident.<\/p>\n
It was claimed the footage was given to the Swans, who they passed it onto the police via the AFL\u2019s integrity unit.<\/p>\n
However, Dillon revealed he was unaware of any such recording.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is a tape that\u2019s relevant to the police investigation, it should be forwarded on to the police,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is clear is the Swans have taken action, with the support of the AFL, based on the information that is at hand now. And there\u2019s been accountabilities for those players who were involved last week.<\/p>\n
\u201dThe Swans have spoken to the players. They\u2019ve shared that information with the AFL and they\u2019ve made the calls. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut they\u2019ve also been really clear that what they spoke to the players about was separate to the police investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dillon confirmed the five players will not be attending the Brownlow Medal count.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe invitations to the Brownlow will be going out this week. Those players won\u2019t be invited,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are still eligible for the Brownlow but they\u2019re under a club suspension, which goes until the the end of the season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last week the AFL released a statement on the matter with Dillon expressing \u201cdeep concern\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe conduct and serious allegations regarding Sydney Swans players are deeply concerning,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important that the police process is allowed to run its course.<\/p>\n
\u201cSexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur first question should not be what this means for a football club. It should be whether our actions match the standards we stand for and the community expects of us.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a sport, and as an industry, we are clear about the standards we expect and the values we stand for and the need to uphold them.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing clear about our standards also means being prepared to act when those standards are not met.<\/p>\n
\u201cNotwithstanding the ongoing police investigation, the AFL and the Sydney Swans will consider the broader conduct of the players as more information comes to light.\u201d<\/p>\n