Geelong is facing legal action over allegations of serious sexual abuse in the early 1980s by a former under-19 player. The plaintiff, now an Indigenous Elder in his late 50s, claims to have been gang-raped by several older players while staying at the football house for country recruits known as Aberdeen House. Court documents allege that the club was liable for the acts of the three players who assaulted the plaintiff while he was vulnerable because of his age and displacement from home. The plaintiff is seeking a trial by jury on the grounds that the club breached its duty to look after his welfare, safety, and supervision while he was a minor at the football house. He left the sport shortly after the alleged assault. In response, Geelong issued a statement expressing its shock and regret for the incident, saying it was taking the matter very seriously and asking people to seek appropriate support. The club did not provide further comments until the legal proceedings are concluded.