Sydney Swans Players Return to Club Following Hotel Incident
Five players suspended for breaching club standards are set to face teammates as a police investigation into alleged sexual assault continues.
Five Sydney Swans players suspended for breaching club standards last month are scheduled to return to the club and face their teammates on Wednesday. Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice were stood down following a post-match party at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne.
These suspensions are separate from an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into sexual assault allegations. Police have reportedly interviewed Heeney, Warner, Blakey, and Jordon as part of the probe into incidents alleged to have occurred in the early hours of August 17. Bice has reportedly been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, and no charges have been laid.
The players, who were unable to attend the Brownlow Medal ceremony, are expected to be present for player exit meetings at the Swans' headquarters in Moore Park. Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich stated that the players would come into the club as is natural at the end of the season. "If they've got something to say to their player group, if they've got something to say to the club, then we'll hear them out then," Pavlich said.
All five players are anticipated to remain with the club for the 2027 season. Warner and Jordon's contracts extend to the end of 2027, while Heeney and Bice are signed through 2028. Blakey is reportedly under contract until 2031.
Reports indicate that Blakey has expressed dissatisfaction with the club's handling of the situation. Journalist Caroline Wilson suggested that Blakey's future may depend on his reception from coaches and teammates upon his return. It has also been reported that other clubs, including Victorian teams and initially the Gold Coast Suns, had shown interest in Blakey.
Victoria Police's investigation is expected to conclude within an eight-week timeframe, which overlaps with the AFL's free agency and trade period from October 2 to October 14. Heeney and Warner are considered strong contenders for the Sydney Swans' Bob Skilton Medal, to be awarded after the grand final.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028