Sport
22 August, 2026
I’m a Swans supporter and I’m devastated
I have been a Sydney Swans supporter for years. I bought all of my kids up as Swans supporters.
I have been a Sydney Swans supporter for years.
I brought all of my kids up as Swans supporters.
I dragged them to games in near freezing temperatures in Launceston and Hobart to share the Buddy Franklin experience.
We celebrated their wins and despaired over their losses.
From an outsider’s perspective, the Swans were ‘clean skins’ with a healthy culture and an unwavering commitment to their sponsors and supporters.
All that has changed in a single night – a night of sheer stupidity that has effectively destroyed the Swans’ 2026 season and the possibility of a grand final appearance or even a premiership.
Here’s what we know.
After a boozy night out a number of Swans decided it would be a good idea to hire in some exotic dancers. They allegedly told the dancers they were tradies so they didn’t have to pay full price.
Allegations of drug use and sexual assault are now being investigated by police but no-one has been charged.
One of the dancers has publicly said the players made her feel unsafe.
Relationships have been destroyed, sponsors are bailing out and fans like me are looking for another team to support.
I mean seriously, what on earth were they thinking?
Everyone deserves a couple of drinks after a good win but these guys are supposed to be role models. Elite sportspeople paid good money to win games and to lead by example.
My 17-year-old son told me he was “absolutely gutted” over what happened and that he felt ‘horrible’ for the alleged victim.
He’s also looking for another team to support and as long as it’s not Hawthorn I would encourage him to do that.
We put these people on pedestals, but that’s not a licence to do whatever they want.
We expect them to be role models. We expect them to lead by example.
Even if police decide not to lay charges the players involved have brought themselves, their club and the game into disrepute.
It seems to be a common occurrence with footballers – particularly in the AFL and NRL – and it’s an absolute disgrace.
When there are women involved and they are stuck in a motel room full of men and they are made to feel unsafe it’s shameful.
The club made the right decision to suspend the players involved for the rest of the season but it raises serious questions about the Swans’ culture and the AFL’s ability to address a problem that seems ingrained in a code dominated by young men with an undeserved sense of privilege.
I don’t only feel sorry for the alleged victim. I feel sorry for their partners and families. I feel sorry for the sponsors. I feel sorry for their teammates and their fans and all the people who work behind the scenes to make the club as successful it has been for many years.
I feel sorry for the game.
The Swans had a red-hot shot at this year’s premiership and all that has been ruined by a few entitled and boozed up young players who should have known better.
They were allegedly so wrecked the following morning they were deemed unfit to be questioned by police.
And we’re talking about players from a team currently placed second on the ladder.
I’ve packed away my Swans scarf and I won’t be watching them for the rest of the season.
Even as a die-hard fan there are certain things that can’t be overlooked or ignored.
Violence against women in any form – and that includes making women feel unsafe – tops the list.
I never thought I would say it, but it needs to be said.
Shame on you Sydney Swans. Shame on you.
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