The Sydney Swans scandal: How should the club, the AFL and the media respond?

2026-08-19

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When news broke this week of an alleged sexual assault involving the Sydney Swans AFL team in Melbourne, old faultlines in the way the sport handles accusations against its players re-ignited. Everything from the players involved, to the language used by the club, and the way the media reported the allegations, came under the microscope. So how much has changed when it comes to footy players doing the wrong thing. And what would a good response from the AFL look like? Today, journalist and author of Night Games, Anna Krien, on the way forward for the AFL. ...

When news broke this week of an alleged sexual assault involving the Sydney Swans AFL team in Melbourne, old faultlines in the way the sport handles accusations against its players re-ignited.

Everything from the players involved, to the language used by the club, and the way the media reported the allegations, came under the microscope.

So how much has changed when it comes to footy players doing the wrong thing. And what would a good response from the AFL look like?

Today, journalist and author of Night Games, Anna Krien, on the way forward for the AFL.

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Guest: Journalist and author of Night Games Anna Krien

Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

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