Five Swans Players Suspended Amid Police Investigation
The Sydney Swans have decided to stand down five of its AFL stars for the rest of the season after detectives in Melbourne began a probe into an alleged sexual assault that may have occurred at the Pullman Hotel during the night following a weekend match.
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice are the players affected. According to club statements, the sanctions were imposed because the players allegedly breached club standards by holding late‑night drinking sessions and inviting women to stay at the hotel. None of the players have yet been arrested, charged or formally interviewed by the police.
Club chairman Andrew Pridham issued an apology to fans, players and the community, stressing that the actions violated Swans values and that the club took immediate action regardless of the ongoing police investigation. The club also confirmed that the AFL supports these independent sanctions.
Chief executive Matthew Pavlich said the club was "deeply embarrassed" and "ashamed" that five players had made poor choices that impacted not only those women involved but also the wider Swans community. He added that the wellbeing of all parties was a key concern and refrained from commenting on possible drug tests; those would be part of the police inquiry.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police reported that officers had spoken to several people at the Pullman Hotel, but no formal interviews or arrests were made at that time.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon called the reports "deeply concerning" and reiterated the league’s commitment to uphold player conduct standards.
The Swans remain in second place on the ladder, a position that guarantees a spot in the upcoming finals series. They are scheduled to play North Melbourne at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, which will be the last regular‑season fixture before the postseason.
This story continues to develop as the police investigation proceeds and the AFL monitors the situation closely.
