Aussie rules footy players referred to police as detectives investigate sexual assault

Several players from a top team in the Australian Football League (AFL) have been referred to police over an "alleged incident" in Melbourne on Sunday night, their club has said.

Separately, Victoria Police have said detectives are investigating a report of a sexual assault at a hotel in East Melbourne.

The Sydney Swans confirmed an incident involving an unspecified number of players had occurred in the hours after the team's win at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Chief executive Matthew Pavlich said the club was "still piecing together exactly what's transpired", and would not be drawn on what the specific allegations are.

"Safe to say, we're extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place, and that the players have found themselves in this situation," he said at a press conference on Monday.

"There's going to be lots of speculation, but given it's a police matter right now, that is all we can say."

Pavlich declined to say whether any arrests had been made, nor provide any details about how many players were involved.

A police spokesperson said the incident they were investigating occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing," they said.

In a statement, the football league said that Sydney "made the AFL aware of the matter which is currently under Victoria Police investigation".

Sydney is currently placed second on the 2026 ladder after winning 17 out of 22 games played this year.

The club is scheduled to face off against North Melbourne on Sunday for the last round before the finals, through which the top six teams are guaranteed to advance.