- Sam Wicks called up by Sydney Swans to play on West Coast
- The forward, 24, was ‘rested’ against Richmond in his last start at the MCG
- Accused of acting inappropriately with ex-partner of colleagues
- Wicks denies the accusation, the club declared he was innocent of wrongdoing
The Sydney Swans have called up Sam Wicks ahead of this weekend’s clash against West Coast in Adelaide.
John Longmire’s men face the Eagles in the Adelaide Hills as part of the Gather Round, and the coach played it straight when asked why Academy product Wicks did not feature in the last opening defeat against Richmond at the MCG.
Wicks is believed to have acted inappropriately towards a team-mate’s former partner, an allegation the striker denies.
Swan’s hierarchy reportedly investigated the matter and found that Wicks was innocent of any crime.
“He’s back among the entire playing group,” Longmire said.
The Sydney Swans have called up Sam Wicks ahead of this weekend’s clash against West Coast.
Wicks is believed to have acted inappropriately towards a team-mate’s former partner, an allegation the striker denies (pictured after kicking a goal against Collingwood).
Swan’s hierarchy reportedly investigated the matter and found that Wicks was innocent of any crime.
“I’m not going to go into details, other than the fact that last week we decided to pick the team we thought was best to go to Melbourne.
“Sam will be available for selection and we will work on what that will look like.”
Speaking to Fox Footy on Monday, Longmire said off-field drama involving playing teams is nothing new.
“Most of the things you deal with in football, during my time… haven’t been football related,” he said.
‘That’s just one of those things you have to make sure you figure out. We think we are getting through it well.
“We’re mature enough to be able to get over that and focus on football.”
The West Coast wooden spoon favorites are struggling this season, and will be looking for revenge after the Bloods beat them by 171 points last year on a low day for the club.
The Eagles have also become the sixth team in AFL/VFL history not to win a quarter of their first three games.