Swans' decision a step towards accountability, but misogyny at AFL core

On Wednesday, the Sydney Swans announced that five players would be banned for the remainder of the season due to breaches of club standards. These breaches included late-night partying, drinking, and bringing women back to their hotel. However, the sanctions did not relate to sexual assault allegations. The club acknowledged the suspensions as a "torpedoing of its season," effectively admitting that the standards issue was more serious than just a sporting matter.

The decision comes as Victoria Police investigates a separate alleged sexual assault that occurred at a hotel that evening.

The lack of a no-fault stand-down policy in the AFL, similar to one implemented by the NRL, has been a point of contention. The NRL's policy automatically stands down players facing serious jail charges, sending a message that the game does not tolerate violence against women or children. The Swans' five players were not facing such serious charges, but the decision is still a step towards accountability.

Catharine Lumby, a gender advisor to the NRL, welcomed the move as the "least they should do." She emphasized that these young men are role models to younger men and society in general.

However, some critics argue that the Swans' move does not go far enough. Rachael Burgin, a senior lecturer at Swinburne University, pointed out that the club's focus on the players breaching standards, such as being out late and drinking, missed an opportunity to address sexual violence more broadly. She argued that sexual violence should also be considered a significant breach of club standards.

Burgin called for transparency regarding the club's off-field culture, the number of women in senior positions, and the research proving the club's respect for women.