Coach insists Swans ‘united’ despite women’s team being hijacked again
A looming battle for the Sydney Swans women’s team has again been clouded by the actions of a male clubmate, but the noise is not distracting the girls.
Four days out from the Swans’ semi-final against the Western Bulldogs, it was revealed AFL forward Tom Papley allegedly tested positive to methamphetamine when stopped by NSW Police for a random roadside drug test.
Swans AFLW coach Colin O’Riordan speaks to media. Nine
Papley was also slapped with a court attendance notice for driving on a suspended licence due to his failure to pay a parking fine.
The 30-year-old’s alleged test results comes less than three months after Victoria Police launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault relating to five Swans players, with the incident unfolding on the same week the club was hosting a historic double-header with the women’s team at the SCG.
Swans coach Colin O’Riordan was saddened to see a negative off-field narrative relating to the club’s AFL team again clouding his side’s big match.
“I think it goes without saying that it is disappointing,” he said on Friday.
“It is really disappointing for our footy club to be back in the news for the wrong reasons.
“Our group are incredibly mature for the age they are, they are incredibly mature. After speaking to them this morning, the only thing they want to focus on is Sunday, playing finals at Henson Park in front of a big crowd.
“I think that is a sign of the maturity of our group.”
O’Riordan said Papley’s situation is not detracting from the women’s team, even if many feel the Bloods culture has taken a major hit this year.
The Irish-born coach then made clear that in no way have the negative headlines fractured the unity of the men’s and women’s team in representing the badge.
“We are one club and we are incredibly united on that front,” O’Riordan added.
“We are one footy club, and in tough, testing times you have to stay united.”
CEO of the Swans Matthew Pavlich hugs the players after their win over the Dockers last week. Getty Images
A review into the culture of the women’s team will take place at the season’s end, just as it did in the men’s department, according to O’Riordan.
“I think the review at the end of the year will highlight some issues that might be brought to light, it may not,” he continued.
“I’m not dodging the questions but we have bigger things to fry in terms of getting the team ready for Sunday.”
The Sydney Swans host the Western Bulldogs in an elimination final on Sunday at Henson Park, with the first bounce scheduled for 1.05pm AEDT.
