Sydney Swans part ways with rookie player Elijah Taylor

The Sydney Swans have officially parted ways with Elijah Taylor two months after he pleaded guilty to assaulting his teenage girlfriend.

The Sydney Swans have officially parted ways with rookie player Elijah Taylor.

Taylor pleaded guilty to assaulting ex-girlfriend Lekahni Pearce in September, and the Swans stood down the 19-year-old later that month.

Pearce made serious allegations against Taylor on social media more than a week before he was arrested by WA Police and was charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.

He is due to reappear in court for sentencing on December 2nd.

Sydney Swans AFL player Elijah Taylor walks from the Perth Magistrates Court.

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Sydney Swans executive general manager of football Charlie Gardiner said in a statement: “The situation Elijah and the club has found itself in is deeply regrettable. Elijah has made some very poor decisions which have led us to this point, and he acknowledges that,” Gardiner said.

“This is certainly not a position we have arrived at lightly, however Elijah’s actions could not be reconciled.

“It is obviously a sensitive situation and a legal process is still to play out, but in working with Elijah and his management, our collective view was that the right call for both Elijah and the club is to part ways. We have also consulted with the AFLPA and appreciate the support James Gallagher and his team has provided during the process.

“This has been an incredibly difficult situation for Elijah, his family, and those involved. We are keen to see Elijah receive ongoing education and support in the hope that he can mature and learn from this experience, make better decisions in the future, and take steps towards rebuilding his career.”

Taylor played four games for the Swans after making his AFL debut in 2020. He was recruited by Sydney with pick 36 in the 2019 AFL Draft.

“This is certainly not a position we have arrived at lightly, however Elijah’s actions could not be reconciled."

The Sydney Swans have parted ways with player Elijah Taylor https://t.co/aMqjUKlbZm

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) November 30, 2020

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In August, Taylor was suspended for the remainder of the 2020 season after he breached the AFL’s coronavirus protocols.

Pearce reportedly entered the club’s quarantine accommodation in Perth, which was not permitted in the AFL’s return to play protocols and Western Australia’s COVID-19 quarantine directions.

The Swans were fined $50,000, with $25,000 suspended — the figure of $25,000 will be included in the club’s 2021 Soft Cap.