The engagement of Sydney Swans player Isaac Heeney to Steffie Waters remains on, according to friends and family of Waters, who spoke out on Sunday amidst swirling rumors and a growing club scandal. Waters was recently photographed in Noosa without her engagement ring, appearing distressed, which had fueled speculation about the couple's future.
A relative told The Daily Telegraph that the pair "remain in contact" and "have not ended either their relationship or their engagement." The relative explained that Waters had not worn her ring for the past ten days because it was being repaired after its stone fell out. Despite the intense pressure of the current situation, sources close to the couple acknowledge it has been a difficult period.
"They got engaged, he's meant to be playing in a grand final, they are planning a wedding – this is meant to be the best time of their lives," one source said.
Waters had reportedly retreated to her sister's property in Queensland last week. Heeney and four other Sydney Swans players—Chad Warner, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon—were stood down for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season. The club cited breaches of its standards, including staying out late, drinking, and bringing women back to the Pullman East Melbourne hotel early Monday morning.
These sanctions are separate from a Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the hotel. No charges have been laid, and the reporting does not suggest any of the players involved are under investigation or implicated in wrongdoing.
Waters, described as a prominent figure among the Swans' partners, was seen making an emotional phone call and later crying on a remote beach. Her visible distress and absence of her engagement ring had raised questions about her relationship with Heeney as he faces scrutiny.
The Swans are facing one of the most significant scandals in their history following allegations from two women who claim they were sexually assaulted during a private gathering at the hotel. One woman reportedly made a formal complaint on Tuesday.
Sources indicate that detectives are focusing on the alleged actions of Heeney, who spoke with police on Monday before returning to Sydney. The players have not yet been formally interviewed. Reports indicate the players were allegedly in a room with women, one of whom performed lap dances, and that Heeney, who was reportedly clothed, was the subject of the complaint.
The Swans issued an apology on behalf of the five suspended players on Wednesday evening.