Four Swans players cleared of criminal charges as women pursue civil case
Police will not charge four AFL players. They found insufficient evidence.
Four AFL players have been cleared. The incident happened at a Melbourne hotel on August 17.
The investigation took three months. Victoria Police said there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.
The three women involved plan to take civil legal action instead. The women have engaged lawyers to pursue their claims.
One woman said she was devastated by the police decision. The players maintained their innocence throughout.
Civil cases need less proof than criminal cases. The players face no more AFL penalties.
They already have match bans. These are for breaking club rules by drinking, staying out late, and inviting women to their hotel suite.
- 3 months
- Investigation length
- August 17
- Incident date
- 3
- Women pursuing action
Why it mattersThe criminal case is closed. But the players may face civil lawsuits and harm to their reputation.
AustraliaThe decision affects two of Sydney's key players returning for the 2027 AFL season while exposing ongoing tensions over conduct standards in professional sport.
