One of the exotic dancers who provided statements to police regarding an incident at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne has spoken out about the severe fallout after her identity was leaked online. The dancer, who has not been named by the media, claims she was hired as a topless waitress to entertain several players from the Sydney Swans in the early hours of a Monday morning.
Since her name was exposed, she has received a barrage of threats from some fans who believe the scandal has impacted the team's chances in the Grand Final. "I am in a lot of danger," the dancer stated. "Some AFL fans are very angry about this and I don't know what they may do." She reported that one individual had messaged her, commented on her photos, and even contacted her father. "My identity should not be out there."
Victoria Police's sex crimes squad is investigating the incident. Player Isaac Heeney, who voluntarily spoke with police, has been identified as the main focus of the investigation. However, the dancer clarified that her concerns were not related to Heeney.
Heeney and teammates Chad Warner, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon have been stood down for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season after the club determined they breached its standards by staying out late, consuming alcohol, and bringing women back to the hotel. The players issued a statement expressing their apologies for falling short of club expectations and values. "We know we have let down our partners and families, members, supporters, teammates, the AFLW team, corporate partners and everyone at the club and the wider community," the statement read.
The suspensions are separate from the police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the hotel. No charges have been laid, and all players involved have denied any wrongdoing.
The dancer who spoke to the media also revealed that explicit content she had created for an adult website was previously shared without her consent by an unrelated party. She had discussed that experience on a podcast to raise awareness, but now feels that ordeal is being used against her following the hotel incident. "One message [I received] said I am just looking for an easy payday," she said, adding that the sender also claimed she had a history of such actions.
She had recently moved to Melbourne hoping to earn extra money as a topless waitress. The attempts to discredit her character have been upsetting, particularly as her family has also faced harassment. Despite this, she remains committed to assisting the police investigation. "My dad was really shaken but we have really talked a lot about it now and he understands and I have his full support," she said. "I know what [allegedly] happened in that room. I was sober and I drove myself there. I have provided my statement with a lawyer and am just trying to do what is right for the safety of myself and to protect other girls."
Her father reportedly told the Herald Sun that his daughter had felt "pressured" by the group of players and was "pretty distressed, pretty upset by it all." He added, "She was very offended by their behaviour and what they put on her. She was just doing her job … and not what they wanted."
Under Australian law, distributing personal information online can carry a significant jail sentence, and using digital communications to target individuals with threats or stalking is also a federal offense.