AFL and Elijah Taylor’s manager issue statements over ‘extremely serious’ allegations

Western Australia Police and the AFL have issued statements in response to “very serious” allegations against a Sydney Swans rookie.

The Sydney Swans have confirmed they are aware of “very serious” allegations regarding rookie Elijah Taylor.

Taylor made headlines last month when his partner entered the club’s quarantine accommodation in Perth, which was not permitted in the AFL’s return to play protocols.

The Swans were given a $50,000 fine, and the 19-year-old was stood down from the club for the remainder of the season.

On Saturday evening, the Sydney Swans released a statement acknowledging the distressing allegations, which were posted to social media by his aforementioned partner.

“The Sydney Swans are aware of allegations made on social media regarding first year player Elijah Taylor,” the statement read.

“The allegations are very serious and are being treated as such.

“The club had notified the AFL and is not in a position to comment further at this time.”

Statement from @sydneyswans about social media post regarding Elijah Taylor. pic.twitter.com/Gsr64pjlGt

— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) September 5, 2020

Western Australia Police responded to the situation on Sunday with a brief statement.

“At this stage, WA Police Force is unable to provide comment,” a police media officer told news.com.au.

Fox Sports reporter Tom Morris confirmed Taylor — who is currently in Perth with his family — and his manager were also aware of the allegations.

“Any allegations that the club classifies as serious is absolutely worth being investigated by the club and also the AFL,” Morris told Fox Footy.

Herald Sun reporter Mark Robinson tweeted: “If allegations are true, he has more worries than the end of a football career.”

Taylor’s manager, Tom Seccull, issued a statement to Fox Footy in relation to the allegations levelled at the Swans youngster.

“Elijah, the club and AFL are all aware of the allegations,” Seccull’s statement to foxfooty.com.au read.

“However, given the seriousness and sensitivity for those involved, we’re not in a position to comment further at this stage.”

On Sunday, the Herald Sun reported the AFL’s integrity team will interview Taylor regarding the allegations.

The AFL finally responded on Sunday night.

“The AFL has been informed of allegations made on social media regarding a Sydney Swans player on Saturday night,” a league statement claimed.

“The allegations are extremely serious. The AFL has been in contact with local law enforcement and will continue to provide support and assistance for all.

“Due to the nature of the allegations the AFL will be providing no further comment at this time.”

Sydney Swans rookie Elijah Taylor.

In August, Taylor’s partner was in the news after she was alleged to have crossed a golf course and jumped multiple fences in order to enter the Swans’ biosecurity bubble. She spoke with Channel 7 soon after, confirming the true events surrounding the meet up, claiming there was no scaling of any fences.

“No security, I didn’t see a security guard,” she said.

“I just walked through, went to his room. That’s how easy it was. I didn’t jump any fences.”

Following last month’s infamous biosecurity breach, the Swans and the AFL were condemned by WA Premier Mark McGowan.

“It’s very disappointing,” McGowan said.

“The AFL gave us every assurance this wouldn’t happen. The Swans have let us down, the AFL has let us down. We’re disappointed in both organisations.

“I received an apology from the AFL this morning. I appreciate that but … they promised us this wouldn’t happen and they let us down.”

- With James McKern & Tyson Otto