A Melbourne-based Instagram personality has issued a public apology for falsely linking former Demons premiership coach Simon Goodwin to allegations surrounding the Sydney Swans.
Peter Kalla, who has over 18,000 Instagram followers, admitted on Sunday that his claims about Sydney's Director of Coaching and Performance were "false and irresponsible." He stated that the material he published had no factual basis and apologized for the distress it caused Goodwin and his family.
"I accept that what I wrote was utterly uninformed and without any basis whatsoever," Kalla wrote in his statement. "I now, without any qualification, apologise to Simon Goodwin and his family for the harm and distress that I have caused."
The controversy involving the Sydney Swans began after several players allegedly gathered with three women at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel following the club's victory over Essendon on August 16. Victoria Police's Sex Crimes Squad is investigating allegations of sexual assault stemming from the gathering, with separate reports including claims of inappropriate touching and illicit drug use. No charges have been laid, and the players involved have denied criminal wrongdoing.
Separately, Sydney suspended Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season for breaches of the club's behavioral standards, including late-night drinking and bringing visitors into the team hotel. The club emphasized that these sanctions are distinct from the police investigation and do not represent findings regarding the sexual assault allegations.
Simon Goodwin, who joined Sydney as Director of Coaching and Performance before the 2026 season, has not been accused of participating in the gathering or any alleged misconduct. He was dismissed from his coaching role at the Melbourne Football Club in August 2025, despite having a contract that extended through the following season. The Demons cited a need for a new voice and significant list changes after consecutive seasons outside the finals. Goodwin had led Melbourne to its 2021 premiership before the club experienced subsequent finals exits in 2022 and 2023 and missed the finals in 2024 and 2025. He joined the Swans approximately six weeks after leaving Melbourne and works with senior coach Dean Cox to mentor coaches and players while overseeing performance standards.
Kalla, who describes himself online as a travel agent and promoter, regularly posts about Greek culture, travel, entertainment, and current affairs on his Instagram feed. The original claims made by Kalla were not repeated in his apology.