"Shocked and disappointed": Swans CEO addresses sexual assault allegations

Sydney Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich says he is "shocked and disappointed" by allegations of a sexual assault incident involving players on Sunday night at a Melbourne hotel.

On Monday, SEN's Tom Morris reports that Swans players "were involved in an alleged police incident" after the win over Essendon at the MCG.

The allegations are "believed to be sensitive and potentially very damaging to star players".

In a brief statement on Monday, the Swans said: "The Sydney Swans can confirm several players were involved in an alleged incident in Melbourne last night.

"The Swans have notified the AFL and relevant authorities and cannot provide further comment at this stage."

At 2pm Monday afternoon, Pavlich called a press conference which lasted around one minute during which he sahred not further detail on what had transpired and said: "we are shocked and disappointed by what has happened but this is an ongoing police matter. I will not comment any further on it now."

When breaking the news, Morris wrote:

"A big story developing which could rock Sydney’s season. Swans players were involved in an alleged police incident last night at a Melbourne hotel.

"Club aware of details, which are believed to be sensitive and potentially very damaging to star players. This is an alleged sexual assault incident.

"There were three women in the foyer around 7.30am, confronting Sydney staff, including Dean Cox at one point (who witnesses said looked shocked by the scene)."

Victoria Police released a statement confirming the nature of the incident: “Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault in East Melb on 17/8.

“The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Pde in the early hours of the morning.

“The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”

In a brief statement on Monday afternoon, the AFL said: "The club made the AFL aware of the matter which is currently under Victoria Police investigation".