Liam Foster, once a promising young athlete, is suing the Sydney Swans and his former coach, Mark Heaney, for damages in the New South Wales Supreme Court. The lawsuit, filed recently, seeks compensation for the psychological and emotional harm Foster alleges he suffered due to Heaney’s grooming and abuse while he was part of the Swans Academy.
Foster, now 25, recalls a pivotal moment at age 13 when he returned home from school, enraged and disillusioned, and shattered his sports trophies. “It felt like my whole world had come crashing down,” he said, reflecting on the impact of the abuse allegations that would later lead to Heaney’s conviction.
The Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to the statement of claim, the Sydney Swans are accused of failing to protect Foster from exposure to sexual abuse, asserting that the club was negligent and vicariously liable for Heaney’s conduct. The lawsuit argues that Heaney, in his capacity as a coach, exploited his position to groom and abuse Foster.
A spokesperson for the Sydney Swans commented, “The club is aware of the legal proceedings and takes the matter very seriously. As the matter is before the courts, we are unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Foster’s decision to reveal his identity publicly marks a significant step in his pursuit of justice. “It’s not fair on children,” he stated. “They’re innocent people, and they’re just chasing a dream.”
Background and Impact
Foster’s journey into the Swans Academy began with promise. The son of accomplished athletes, he was recruited by Heaney, who was then a development coach for the Swans in Northern NSW. However, the relationship soon turned sinister, with Heaney allegedly making inappropriate comments and advances towards the young athlete.
In 2013, Foster’s father reported Heaney to the police, leading to an investigation where officers impersonated Foster to gather evidence. Heaney was subsequently convicted in 2014 for using a carriage service to groom a minor, resulting in an 18-month jail sentence.
The Emotional Aftermath
Foster’s life unraveled following the conclusion of Heaney’s case. He struggled with trust, relationships, and his sense of self-worth, leading to a downward spiral that included substance abuse and suicide attempts. “I couldn’t hold down jobs, I couldn’t hold down a relationship,” he admitted, highlighting the profound impact of the abuse on his life.
His father, Geoff Foster, has also filed a separate lawsuit against the Swans and Heaney, citing the mental harm he suffered upon learning of his son’s abuse. “He had to pick up the pieces,” Foster said of his father. “I owe him my life.”
Seeking Justice and Change
Foster’s legal team, led by Cameron Doig of Arnold Thomas and Becker Lawyers, plans to include AFL NSW/ACT as a third defendant in the lawsuit. “With this claim, Liam is seeking accountability for grooming and abuse at the hands of a trusted senior mentor and coach,” Doig stated.
Foster’s decision to come forward is not driven by financial gain but by a desire to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. “There needs to be more safeguards,” he emphasized, calling for systemic changes in how sports academies are managed.
As Foster navigates the legal process, he hopes to reclaim control over his narrative and find empowerment in sharing his story. “I feel like speaking out about it, it’s going to be an empowering moment for me,” he said. “Knowing that everybody knows, and knowing this happened to me and I’m still here doing this and I’m still doing life, and I’m giving it my red-hot crack, I think is definitely going to be a very empowering moment for me.”
If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
