Sydney Swans players Lexi Hamilton and Paige Sheppard have each accepted two match sanctions for engaging in conduct unbecoming. 

The pair were charged by police in December after being found in possession of an illicit substance while outside a hotel in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Both have appeared in court where they received a reprimand. 

The club notified the AFL Integrity Unit as soon as it became aware of the situation last year and has been working with the AFL as the matter was investigated. Both players have expressed deep remorse and fully accept the AFL sanctions.

Paige Sheppard said, “I would like to express my remorse and apologise to the Sydney Swans family, my teammates, family, and friends for making this mistake. I am fully aware I have made a bad error of judgement and will be working hard to earn back the respect of my teammates.”

Lexi Hamilton said, “I am extremely embarrassed and apologetic for my actions, and the position I have put my family, friends, and teammates in. I understand I have significantly broken trust, and I apologise to our members, fans, and club partners for that. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the club is disappointed to have players in this position. 

“Our football club has standards of behaviour that we expect all our people to live up to. This behaviour has fallen short of those standards, which is disappointing, and we are supportive of the AFL sanctions as we believe they are appropriate,” Harley said. 

“All Sydney Swans players are educated about the impacts of drug use, so to have players in this position is also disappointing from a health and wellbeing perspective. 

“Both Lexi and Paige understand their position as role models in the community. They have both cooperated fully with the club and the AFL throughout this matter and have shown contrition through their actions. We are working with both from a welfare and education perspective to ensure they receive the necessary support.”