The Sydney Swans have submitted audio recordings of a conversation between three women to the AFL integrity unit, as the fallout continues from an alleged hotel incident involving several players. The recordings were reportedly made after the women left the Pullman East Melbourne hotel early Monday morning.
Five Sydney Swans players – Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon – have been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season. The club determined the players violated team standards by staying out late, consuming alcohol, and allegedly bringing women back to their hotel.
These suspensions are distinct from an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the hotel. While no charges have been filed and the players deny any wrongdoing, the police investigation is expected to continue for weeks or months as statements are collected.
Coach Dean Cox, 45, may be a key witness, as he was reportedly confronted by one of the women in the hotel lobby. An investigator told the Herald Sun that Cox's account could be crucial evidence, potentially requiring him to provide testimony against his own players.
Fresh information emerged when a connection to one of the women contacted the club, claiming to possess audio of the women discussing their next steps regarding reporting the incident to the police. The Sydney Swans confirmed they passed the contact details of this individual to the AFL's integrity unit. The club emphasized that this development does not exonerate the players from their breaches of team standards.
The scandal unfolded after the Swans' victory over Essendon, when several players went out drinking before returning to the Pullman East hotel around 2:30 a.m. Reports indicate a gathering took place in a hotel suite, with women reportedly booked shortly after 4 a.m.
Accounts of events within the room have varied, with some reports suggesting a dispute arose over an alleged physical interaction. Hours later, a woman was seen confronting Cox in the lobby, leading to police being called.
The Swans have stated they are cooperating with the Victoria Police investigation but deny any staff members have been interviewed. The women involved have engaged legal representation and are reportedly considering civil action, which would be separate from any criminal proceedings.
Victoria Police confirmed their investigation is active and ongoing, stating that the exact circumstances are still being established and a number of people have been spoken to. The club reiterated that no players have been interviewed by police at this stage.
The Sydney Swans are scheduled to play North Melbourne on Sunday afternoon at the SCG, marking their first match since the scandal broke. James Rowbottom, Harry Cunningham, Angus Sheldrick, Caiden Cleary, and Tom Hanily will replace the suspended players.