A Sydney Swans AFLW star has made a surprising admission about the women’s relationship with the men’s team in the wake of the sex assault investigation that has rocked the football club.
Cynthia Hamilton revealed the scandal has actually brought the two sides together, saying they are closer than ever.
“This has honestly brought us closer. We’re doing breath work in the morning together, we’re doing little things,” Ms Hamilton said.
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“Errol Gulden’s been flicking the message (about breath work) across to join both teams together as an opportunity to come closer.
“The boys have been bloody awesome. They’ve really brought the two groups together.
They Sydney Swans believe the recent off-field drama has brought their two playing groups closer. (Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP
“In light of what’s happened, it’s actually kind of beautiful how the club has reacted. I would say we’re closer than what we were before.”
She said Sydney’s epic win against Brisbane Lions over the weekend and the support they had “shows how special the Bloods bond is and that the culture is there”.
Her comments come weeks after star players Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, James Jordan and Riley Bice were suspended by the club for the remainder of the season for breaching club standards.
The players breached club standards by partying into the early hours of the morning with three hired exotic dancers at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel.
The sanctions came as Victoria Police revealed officers were investigating a report of a sexual assault inside the hotel room.
No charges have been laid and this masthead is not suggesting any of the players are guilty of any wrongdoing.
The investigation initially sparked anger within the AFLW program, with captain Lucy McEvoy saying the team was “ incredibly disappointed” with the male players involved.
“On behalf of the playing group, we also support the club in the sanctions that were handed down,” McEvoy said.
“There’s no doubt the club has taken a reputational hit.
“We know that the actions of those five players are not a reflection of the broader club.
“The girls are working through their emotions as they see fit for themselves.”
Police are continuing to investigate the claims, recently seizing a recording reportedly containing a “detailed recollections from people who were inside the hotel room”, and also “recollections” of what happened in the foyer when Dean Cox spoke to an alleged victim.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
