The CEO of the Sydney Swans has conceded his club needs ‘some deep work’ and will be subject to an external culture review following a scandal-ridden 2026 season.
Swans boss Matthew Pavlich fronted a press conference on Thursday after player Tom Papley allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test on Monday.
The news followed an alleged incident at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel which saw five players suspended for breaking conduct rules around drinking and bringing women to their hotel room.
Victoria Police is investigating after three women inside the room alleged they were sexually assaulted by players.
When asked if there was a broader cultural issue in the club on Thursday, Pavlich confirmed it would be investigated.
‘I think we’re looking at that right now,’ he said.
Swans boss Matthew Pavlich (above) conceded his club needs ‘some deep work’ and will be subject to an external culture review
Swans player Tom Papley (above) allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test on Monday
‘We’ve been identifying that over the last eight weeks. We’ve started some deep work on that with our AFL men’s department, with independent advisers helping us through that.
‘Those are the questions we’re asking ourselves right now and asking our players. We need to be better.
‘This is not something that anyone is stopping short of knowing that we’ve got a long way to go, and we’ve got some deep work to do understanding how we do get better for the future.’
More to come…
