Arabic version: مشجعو سوانز يدعمون فريق AFLW في مباراة مزدوجة على ملعب إس سي جي

According to ABC News, Sydney Swans supporters arrived at the SCG for a historic men’s and women’s double-header carrying mixed emotions after a week in which five players were stood down by the club. Supporter Teri brought a homemade sign reading, “I’m here for the AFLW”, saying she wanted to support the women’s side.

The Swans stood down Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon for breaching club standards on drinking and staying out late following the previous Sunday’s win over Essendon in Melbourne. Victoria Police’s sexual crimes squad is separately investigating a report of sexual assault that ABC News understands concerns an allegation that a player touched a woman without consent. Police had made no arrests and laid no charges.

Teri, a decades-long supporter, said she was disappointed and found it hard to be proud of the club, but said the situation had “nothing to do with the women”. She planned to decide later whether to remain for the men’s match against North Melbourne after the AFLW game between Sydney and Essendon.

Long-term fan and member Meagan Masters said she was “gutted” and “heartbroken”, particularly for other members of the team. She supported the players’ ban for the rest of the season while saying she was keeping an open mind because the full circumstances were not known. Masters expected a large turnout and said the club was more than five players.

Other supporters also focused on backing the AFLW side. David Lipman said the women had “done nothing wrong” and deserved support. Chris Lewis, who attends most AFLW games in New South Wales, described the week as “probably the worst week for NSW footy that we have ever had” and said he would likely leave before the men’s game.