Several Sydney Swans players may face club sanctions for reportedly engaging in late-night drinking following a victory, separate from an ongoing police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel. The club and the Australian Football League (AFL) are also facing questions regarding the potential need to stand down players while the police inquiry continues.
New details have emerged regarding the hours preceding the alleged incident. Reports indicate that players returned to the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne in multiple groups between approximately 2:15 a.m. and 3:40 a.m. on Monday. This late-night activity could constitute a breach of club disciplinary policies, irrespective of the outcome of the police investigation.
The Swans team was in Melbourne after securing a 36-point win against Essendon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday. The hotel is located approximately 200 meters from the stadium.
Players including James Jordon were reportedly among those who returned to the hotel around 2:15 a.m., with Isaac Heeney arriving with another group about 15 minutes later. The women at the center of the allegations reportedly arrived at the hotel after 4 a.m.
Several hours later, around 7 a.m., witnesses reported seeing two women approach hotel staff in a common area, seeking access to guest rooms. One woman was overheard telling hotel staff that she had been "touched" and felt overwhelmed while in a room with several men. A witness described one of the women as appearing "hysterical" and "upset," and that she later ran into the hotel's restrooms crying before police were called.
Victoria Police confirmed that officers are investigating a report of sexual assault at the hotel. Heeney, Chad Warner, Jordon, and Riley Bice have been identified as players who have reportedly spoken with police regarding the allegations. The manager of a fifth player has denied that their client was questioned by authorities. Daily Mail has stated that it does not suggest any of the players are under investigation or involved in any wrongdoing, only that they spoke to police.
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox was also reportedly out drinking with staff and returned to the hotel after midnight. Addressing reporters on Tuesday morning as he arrived for club crisis talks, Cox stated, "Obviously extremely disappointed with what's happened. (I) understand the questions and we'll update as we gather more information."
Swans captain Callum Mills was reluctant to comment when he arrived at the club's headquarters. "I can't comment on it. We don't know the facts. It's as simple as that," Mills told reporters.
As of Tuesday morning, no players had been formally charged in connection with the ongoing investigation. Police stated that they spoke to a number of people at the hotel, but no arrests or formal interviews had been conducted at that time.
Unlike the National Rugby League (NRL), the AFL does not have a mandatory no-fault stand-down policy for players charged with serious offenses. Any decision by the Sydney Swans to stand down players would likely become apparent before team selections later in the week. The Swans are scheduled to play North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, with their extended squad to be named on Thursday evening.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll commented on the incident, expressing support for alleged victims. "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," he said. "This is horrible what has been reported. It is under police investigation. But every young woman, young girl, every female deserves to be treated with respect and to be given the safety that they deserve."