Focus should not be on 'football consequences' for Swans, ex-AFLW star says

AFLW star Kate McCarthy has criticised the media's focus on potential football consequences for Sydney Swans players involved in a police investigation, arguing it detracts from the seriousness of the situation. Four Swans players are linked to the police investigation for an alleged sexual assault at their hotel. Former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes, speaking from a football perspective, expressed anger over the players' lack of consideration for teammates, particularly as they approach a finals series.

Cornes highlighted how veteran players like Isaac Heeney and Jake Lloyd have each played in multiple losing grand finals. On Fox Footy, Garry Lyon stressed the need to focus on football-related matters while acknowledging the seriousness of the case. McCarthy, however, emphasized that focusing on potential football ramifications sent the wrong message, especially to girls and women, and questioned the language used when discussing the players' actions.

She also criticised the AFL for not doing enough to engage and include women in footy spaces, questioning the league's priorities in light of other recent scandals.