Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault involving Sydney Swans players at a Melbourne hotel. The allegations stem from a dispute involving a woman who claims her personal boundaries were breached at the Pullman East Hotel in Melbourne. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, after the team secured a 36-point victory over Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
According to reports, a player had arranged for at least two women to visit the hotel after more than six Swans players had been out for dinner and drinks. Players reportedly returned to the hotel in several groups between approximately 2:15 a.m. and 3:40 a.m., with some allegedly heard yelling on the street. The women reportedly arrived after 4 a.m.
A commotion allegedly erupted inside one of the players' rooms when a woman claimed an understanding of what was considered 'off limits' had been violated. One of the women then left the room and, in the hotel lobby, reportedly told club and hotel staff that she had been "inappropriately touched."
Victoria Police confirmed officers attended the hotel and are investigating a report of sexual assault. Five Swans players, including Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, and Riley Bice, have been spoken to by police as part of the investigation. Police stated that while a number of people were spoken to at the hotel, no arrests have been made and no one has been formally interviewed at this time.
The five players were reportedly en route back to Sydney on Monday night, potentially to avoid media attention at the airport. The Sydney Swans organization has not commented on the police investigation, but club coach Dean Cox expressed disappointment. "Obviously extremely disappointed with what's happened," Cox said Tuesday morning. "I understand the questions and we'll update as we gather more information."
Sydney Swans captain Callum Mills was tight-lipped, telling reporters he could not comment as the facts are not yet known.
Regardless of the police investigation's outcome, the players may face club sanctions for their late-night activities. Unlike the National Rugby League, the Australian Football League does not have a mandatory no-fault stand-down policy for players charged with serious offenses. The Swans are scheduled to play North Melbourne on Sunday, with their squad to be named on Thursday evening. The club has not indicated whether any players will be stood down.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety for women. "It is so important that every girl, woman, not only feels safe but is safe and knows that they are protected and that they can be safe going about their everyday lives," Carroll said. "This is horrible what has been reported. It is under police investigation."