THE AFL career of young Swan Elijah Taylor is now in doubt after Sydney stood him down from all club commitments effective immediately.
Sydney came to the decision on Tuesday after Taylor was charged and arrested by police following an incident in Perth on Sunday morning.
Taylor, 19, has been charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and will appear in a Perth court later this month.
>> READ THE AFL STATEMENT ON ELIJAH TAYLOR
Sydney CEO Tom Harley said the club was "extremely disappointed" to have one of its players in this position.
"As a result of the serious nature of these charges, coupled with Elijah's failure to abide by club directives on a number of occasions this year, we have made the decision to stand him down from all club commitments immediately. We will review this position as the situation unfolds.
"We believe this is the most appropriate course of action giving respect to all involved, and in light of the impending court proceedings."
Taylor was already banned for the season after he broke AFL and WA government protocols by sneaking his girlfriend (they have since split) into the club's quarantine hub in Joondalup.
BANNED Young Swan suspended for season after COVID breach
Following that incident, the former partner (who AFL.com.au has chosen not to name) later took to social media and accused Taylor of assault. This allegation, however, is related to a previous incident in Sydney prior to COVID-19.
"This is a difficult situation and one we will work with relevant experts and authorities to navigate," Harley said.
SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS Swans, AFL aware of social post by Taylor's former partner
"Finally, I would like to reiterate that our club has very strong values, which include respect, tolerance and a condemnation of violence, especially against women. We expect everyone at our club to uphold these values without compromise."
The club said it would not make further comment regarding the alleged conduct or the charge whilst legal proceedings were ongoing.
Taylor was taken with pick 36 at the 2019 NAB AFL Draft. He has played four games this season.
