Five players from the Sydney Swans have been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season due to alleged breaches of club standards following a night of partying in Melbourne. The suspensions are separate from an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel.
Players Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon were stood down after the club determined they had violated team policies by staying out late, consuming alcohol, and reportedly bringing women back to their hotel early Monday morning. The club has stated that no staff members were present in the hotel room at the center of the police investigation.
According to reports, the team was in Melbourne after a victory against Essendon and began celebrating with friends and family at the Pullman hotel bar. Some players reportedly visited several bars in Fitzroy and Richmond before returning to the hotel around 2:30 a.m. A group then gathered in a larger suite where two exotic dancers were booked shortly after 4 a.m.
Allegations Emerge from Hotel Room Events
Details emerging from the hotel room include a claim that the incident escalated when a dancer was allegedly slapped four times, instead of the agreed-upon three. This is one of several accounts of events within the suite. Another report suggests "physical, unwanted touching in private areas" and "fondling and borderline penetration" of one woman.
Allegations have also surfaced regarding comments made during a lap dance, with one report stating a player declared he had "done an Albo," a reference to controversial comments made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about "melons." The club has dismissed reports of staff being present in the room, reiterating that only the five suspended players were representatives of the club there.
Legal and Police Investigations Underway
Victoria Police confirmed their investigation into the alleged sexual assault is active and ongoing, with a number of people being spoken to. The exact circumstances are still being established. The Sydney Swans released a statement supporting the police action and reiterated that no player had been interviewed by police at that stage.
One of the three women allegedly hired as adult entertainers has secured legal representation from Slater and Gordon lawyer Jackson Pannam. Her legal team stated she is attempting to navigate a "traumatic experience" and is cooperating with police. A potential civil claim is separate from any criminal proceedings.
Separately, Carbone Lawyers announced they are representing two other women who are reportedly preparing to launch legal action in the state Supreme Court against the five players and the club. A partner at the firm described the alleged actions as "the most disgusting actions and behaviour I have ever heard about in my 28 years as a lawyer," though specifics were not detailed. The firm claimed more than five men were in the room, a detail the Sydney Swans have contested.
The AFL's integrity unit is also conducting its own investigation into the matter. The Sydney Swans have stated they are considering their legal options regarding what they describe as "misinformation" being reported. [IMAGE6: Players Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon have been stood down for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season] [IMAGE3: The club found the players had breached its standards by staying out late, drinking and allegedly bringing women back to the Pullman East Melbourne hotel early Monday morning]