Geelong Grammar, Geelong College respond to accusations levelled at former coach Andrew Cleary

Fresh details over the alleged conduct of a former Geelong Grammar and Geelong College rowing coach charged with child sex crimes can be revealed.

Former private school rowing coach Andrew Cleary.

Sporting bodies and private schools connected with a rowing coach accused of child sex crimes have moved to allay fears of parents and members, as fresh details over his professional conduct are revealed.

Andrew James Cleary, a respected Olympic-level rowing coach and former staffer at Geelong College and Geelong Grammar, is facing seven charges of sexual penetration of a 17-year-old child while under his authority as a sports coach, and two of the same offence against a 16-year-old child.

He is also accused of the same crime on a teen, aged 16 or 17 in North Geelong.

The alleged offending took place over a two-year period across different locations throughout Victoria.

Andrew Cleary. Picture: Peter Ristevski

It comes amid revelations Mr Cleary, 66, was stood down from his role as a rowing coach at the state’s most expensive private school in 2021 over allegations of inappropriate conduct.

It’s understood his employment contract at the Geelong Grammar School was severed during a six-week probationary period, spread across a four-months between July and November.

Principal, Rebecca Cody, said there were no allegations of sexual misconduct during his employment.

“Mr Cleary did not complete his probation period at the school,” she said.

Mr Cleary is a long-serving rowing coach at The Geelong College.

The school’s principle, Dr Peter Miller, issued a letter to community members on Wednesday informing them of the “allegations and criminal charges laid” against the former staffer, who was described as an “active member of our College community.”

It’s understood the school was made aware of a Victoria Police investigation into Mr Cleary last year.

“It is important to note the allegations do not relate to Mr Cleary’s conduct here at the College,” Dr Miller said.

Andrew Cleary leaves a Geelong court this week.

Cleary is a former Board member at Rowing Victoria and coach at Rowing Australia.

Both organisations declined to comment when contacted by this masthead.

Cleary has guided several Olympic rowers including ex-Geelong College students and Barwon Rowing Club members over his coaching career. His daughter is also an Olympian who competed at the Rio games.

Barwon Rowing Club president Sean Drew said the club was committed to “child safety standards” and “the safety of all members”.

“We understand that these alleged offences occurred at a school rowing program not affiliated with Barwon Rowing Club,” he said.

Cleary has been contacted for comment.

He will appear at the Geelong Magistrates Court on April 8.

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Originally published as Geelong Grammar, Geelong College respond to accusations levelled at former coach Andrew Cleary