AFL star, 29, ordered to undergo a DNA swab over alleged sex assault

Former AFL star Daniel Menzel will be required to undergo a forensic procedure over an alleged indecent assault on a woman late last year.

Menzel, 29, was delisted by the Sydney Swans at the end of 2019, bringing to an end an injury interrupted career that began with Geelong.

During a post-season night out with his Sydney Swans teammates, Menzel allegedly sexually touched a woman without consent, but was only charged by police in April. 

Menzel did not appear in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday for a mention of his case as he is currently residing in Adelaide, the court heard.

Former AFL star Daniel Menzel (right, pictured with ex-teammate Lance 'Buddy' Franklin) has been ordered to undergo a DNA swab over an alleged sex assault of a woman in Bondi last year

Former AFL star Daniel Menzel (right, pictured with ex-teammate Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin) has been ordered to undergo a DNA swab over an alleged sex assault of a woman in Bondi last year

Menzel played for both the Sydney Swans and Geelong in the AFL during an injury plagued ten-year career

Menzel played for both the Sydney Swans and Geelong in the AFL during an injury plagued ten-year career

A court order was made in his absence by Magistrate Ross Hudson for a self-administered non-invasive swab to be conducted as part of a forensic procedure.

Menzel was ordered to attend the closest police station within 14 days of the order, Blender the court heard.

After making his AFL debut for Geelong in 2010, Menzel missed three years of elite level football due to knee reconstructions.

He returned for the Cats late in the 2015 season and played in 2016 before he linked up with Sydney as a free agent after the 2018 AFL campaign.

Menzel (circled) is understood to have been out with Sydney Swans teammates on the night before the incident allegedly occurred. He posted this on Instagram in the hours before the alleged incident

Menzel (circled) is understood to have been out with Sydney Swans teammates on the night before the incident allegedly occurred.

He posted this on Instagram in the hours before the alleged incident

He managed only seven games for the Swans after having groin surgery in the pre-season and was delisted at the end of his one-year contract. 

Menzel played a total of 80 games and kicked 143 goals across his 10-year career. 

The South Australian-born product signed a deal to play with Central Districts in the SANFL, and he moved back to Adelaide earlier this year. 

He is due to return to court for an estimated one-day hearing around the middle of 2021.