Five Sydney Swans players have been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season following a breach of club standards after allegedly bringing exotic dancers to their Melbourne hotel. The players – Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, and Chad Warner – were sanctioned by the club for their conduct on a night out.

According to reports, lap dancers arrived at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel around 4 a.m. for private sessions with the players. Several players had returned to the hotel earlier in the night, with James Jordon reportedly arriving around 2:15 a.m. and Isaac Heeney about 15 minutes later.

This incident is separate from a Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the same hotel. Detectives from Victoria Police’s sex crimes squad are reportedly focusing on Isaac Heeney in relation to this investigation, though the Daily Mail notes that the players themselves are not under investigation or accused of wrongdoing at this stage, but rather that they spoke to police about the alleged incident.

Witnesses at the hotel reported that around 7 a.m., two women approached hotel staff seeking access to guest rooms. One woman was overheard telling staff she had been "touched" and felt overwhelmed. Another witness described one of the women as appearing "hysterical" and "upset" before police were called.

Sydney Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich stated that the players were sanctioned for "staying out late, drinking and bringing women back to the hotel." He emphasized that their actions fell "well short of what we expect of our players" and that the club is holding them to a high standard. Pavlich added that while the players will not be considered for AFL selection for the rest of the season, including finals, they will be permitted to return to the club. He also confirmed that coach Dean Cox was at a pre-planned staff get-together that night, which he deemed appropriate.

Swans chair Andrew Pridham issued a sincere apology to the community, fans, and corporate partners, acknowledging the disappointment and hurt caused by the events. He expressed that the club is taking the matter seriously and aims to rebuild trust. Pridham stated that the five players involved are remorseful for breaching club standards.

The players reportedly drove back to Sydney on Monday night to avoid media attention at the airport.