Buddy breaks silence on Swans’ ‘absolute disaster’
Updated . First published
Two-time premiership winner and former Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin has revealed his thoughts on the scandal that has enveloped the club.
The Swans suspended five players - Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon - for the remainder of the season after a late night out following round 23’s win over Essendon.
Lance Franklin speaks on Sydney saga. Buddy and Shane Show
During that night at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel, three women have alleged they were sexually assaulted. The matter is with Victoria Police and all three have engaged lawyers to press civil charges.
Nine.com.au is not suggesting that the Sydney players are being investigated for acts of alleged sexual assault, only that they were stood down for the season for their late night out drinking.
The suspensions have seemingly derailed the Swans’ premiership hopes, though they rallied in round 24 to defeat North Melbourne without the five players.
Franklin said the situation was sad and a horror blow for their chances in September.
“Obviously there’s an alleged victim a part of this, so our thoughts are with them,” Franklin told the Buddy and Shane Show.
“What a sad time for the footy club. An absolute disaster for them at this stage.
“I know it’s separate to what’s happening and footy is secondary to what took place, but all I can say is their performance on the weekend and the way they galvanised showed the club is very united, but our thoughts are with the alleged victims here.”
Franklin was impressed with the young players who stepped up in round 24 and took the opportunity to replace key players with both hands.
The likes of Jesse Dattoli, Caiden Cleary, Billy Cootee, Tom Hanily, Harry Kyle and Will Green all had strong performances and will need to continue to play a role when they host Brisbane in a qualifying final next week.
“They looked hungry, the Swans, I thought North were a chance to beat them, but they looked hungry and energised by a few young players coming in,” Franklin said.
“You get yourself into a strong position with that second chance in finals, but they are coming up against Brisbane.”
The Swans opted not to attend the AFL’s Awards night during the week, despite key forward Charlie Curnow winning the Coleman Medal and making the All-Australian team.
Curnow, as well as coach Dean Cox and CEO Matthew Pavlich, remained in Sydney.
