A former junior footballer is suing the Sydney Swans following claims of serious allegations while he was in the team's training academy.
As reported byย the Saturday Herald Sun, Thomas Marino* (not his real name for legal reasons) alleges he was groomed and sexually abused over a two-year period whilst in the team's training academy.
Recruited to the Sydney Swans Junior Academy more than a decade ago, Marino alleges that he was a victim of former junior AFL coach Mark Heaney and has since decided to sue the Swans and Heaney, seeking compensation for โinjury, loss and damage".
โThe purpose of bringing this claim is to seek justice for the harm and trauma I have endured, to hold those responsible accountable and to achieve a resolution that provides closure and supports my ability to rebuild my life,โ Mr Marino told the Saturday Herald Sun.
โThis is about addressing the opportunities I lost โ including the chance to pursue a career in the AFL โ as a result of what I experienced.โ
According to a Supreme Court writ, Heaney is accused of "pressing his penis against the boy when teaching him how to hold a football, stripping naked in front of him, watching him while he was showering, sending explicit photos and instigating sexualised conversations", per the Saturday Herald Sun.
This isn't the first time Heaney has found himself in the headlines. Earlier this year, former Melbourne Demons rookie Daniel Hayes launched legal action against him and the AFL, alleging he was raped after a post-game barbecue in 2005.
Heaney also pleaded guilty to one count of using a carriage service to groom a person under 16 years in 2014.
โThose hopes were dashed after Heaney used his status as the Swans development coach and his influence over our client's career to groom and allegedly sexually abuse him,โ his lawyer Cameron Doig from Arnold Thomas & Becker added.
โOur client became hostile to authority, formed negative relationships, and turned to drugs. He lost his love for football.โ
