Sydney Swans Players Emerge for Exit Meetings Amid Scandal
Suspended players Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, and James Jordan were seen at the club's headquarters for the first time since a hotel party incident.
Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, and James Jordan have been seen in public for the first time since a hotel party scandal. The players returned to the club's headquarters for exit meetings on Wednesday, following the conclusion of their season.
Heeney, Jordan, and Blakey arrived together in the same car. They were accompanied by two other suspended players, Chad Warner and Riley Bice, who arrived earlier. Heeney and Warner were the only players to briefly address the media.
'I'm looking forward to addressing the playing group,' Heeney said. When asked if he had a message for the fans, the Swans vice-captain did not respond. Warner, with Bice beside him, stated, 'I'm just here for my exit interview.' He declined to comment further when asked about apologies.
These players have not been publicly visible since a club statement was issued in August. The suspensions were imposed for breaching club standards after a post-match party at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. The club-imposed sanctions are separate from an ongoing police investigation into sexual assault allegations. Victoria Police have indicated that an update on the investigation is not expected until late October. No charges have been laid, and it is not suggested that the five suspended players have engaged in any wrongdoing.
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox had previously confirmed that Heeney, Jordan, and Blakey would return for exit meetings. Club CEO Matthew Pavlich acknowledged the players' return, stating, 'It's a natural thing that the players will come into the club over the next period.' He added that if the players have something to say to the group or the club, they will be heard during these meetings. The players have been away from the club since August.
