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AFL boss Andrew Dillon takes questions on Sydney Swans scandal
Andrew Dillon, AFL chief executive, will speak at a press conference. (Getty Images: AFL Photos/James Wiltshire)
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon is speaking at a press conference ahead of the finals series.
Dillon will likely face questions over the AFL's handling of the Sydney Swans scandal, as well as details on allegations of drug use by the players.
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Five players won't be invited to the Brownlow medal, but are eligible to win it
Dillon says invitations to the Brownlow medal ceremony will be sent out this week.
Dillon says the players will not be invited.
He did say that the players are still eligible for votes though.
Dillon is asked why it's taken so long for the AFL to speak on this topic.
He says the statement the AFL made on Tuesday was "strong" and that today was an "appropriate" time for the AFL to speak.
Dillon is asked about the investigation into the Geelong football club for making a deal with a player who had a history of concussions.
"We have an independent KC looking at that and we're expecting his report this week," he says.
Dillon says the KC has been talking with a lot of people.
Dillon is asked what his message is for women in the game.
"What the AFL stands for is respect for women is not negotiable," he says.
"I think it's right that people will be asking questions at the moment.
"I think football is a place where everyone should feel safe and included.
"We're going to continue to work with our playing group and all our supporters so we have an environment where that's the case."
Dillon is asked whether the AFL has a culture problem.
He says the same line as before, that the five players do not represent the entire AFL.
"The actions of a few don't define the actions of the entire industry."
He says that the Swans have made some investigations and have taken action, which the AFL supports, and there is "accountability" for the players who were involved last week.
He adds that he won't get drawn into "hypotheticals".
He notes that the Swans' actions were unrelated to the police investigation.
"What they have spoken to the players about is separate from the police investigation," he says
Dillon is asked about the alleged drug use by the players.
He repeats that the AFL won't investigate until after the police investigation.
"The AFL won't get involved when there is police investigation underway."
"I think the actions of a few don't take away from the thousands of people involved in football at all different levels who do great things all the time," he says.
"What we do know is we can do things better.
"We will continue to do that and learn to do things better."
Dillon is asked about the AFL's investigation into the allegations about the five Swans players.
"Those matters are under police investigation," he says.
"The AFL won't be conducting any of its own enquiries until after the police investigation is concluded."
Andrew Dillon says Sunday's show of support at the SCG is a reminder that football can bring people together.
"What we saw yesterday is how football is a place where people can come together.
"Finals football is a place where people can come together."
He acknowledges there is a "really serious" investigation underway by the police.
Five players — Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon — have been stood down by the Sydney Swans for breaching the club's standards on drinking and staying out late following last Sunday's win over Essendon in Melbourne.
Police from Victoria's sexual crimes squad are separately investigating a report of sexual assault, which the ABC understands centres on a player allegedly touching a woman without her consent.
A police investigation is still underway, but no charges have been laid or arrests made.
On Saturday, police provided an update about the investigation being undertaken by detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad.
"The exact circumstances of the matter are still being established, and a number of people have been spoken to," the statement read.
"As the investigation remains active and ongoing, we will not be commenting further, including providing information on the specific circumstances of the matter, movements of detectives and any statements or interviews taken."
In a statement, the Sydney Swans said the club "supports the action taken by Victoria Police in releasing today's statement regarding the investigation".
The club's statement also addressed comments relating to other men, beyond the five players identified by the club, being present in the hotel room at the centre of the allegations.
"The Sydney Swans categorically confirms that no member of staff is involved in the investigation. This includes being in the hotel room central to the police investigation," it read.
"The club reiterates that no player has been interviewed by police at this stage."