Two Sydney Swans players, Isaac Heeney and Nick Blakey, were reportedly seen drinking at a bar in Adelaide until 4 a.m. on June 14, according to fans. The outing occurred weeks before the pair, along with teammates Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon, were suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season due to breaches of club standards.
The Swans found the players had violated standards by staying out late, drinking, and allegedly bringing women back to their hotel early Monday morning. This led to their suspensions. The club's actions are separate from an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel. No charges have been laid in relation to the alleged assault, and all players involved have denied any wrongdoing.
According to The Advertiser, Heeney and Blakey were seen by fans at the Black Bull on Hindley Street in Adelaide. The report indicates they were joined by teammates Joel Amartey and Matthew Roberts and remained at the venue until approximately 4:30 a.m., after South Australia's 3 a.m. lockout. The Swans had secured a three-point victory over Port Adelaide the day prior to this Adelaide outing. Fans reported that Heeney and Blakey were in good spirits and posed for pictures.
Under previous AFL rules, players were permitted to socialize after a match if there was at least a seven-day break between games. The June 14 outing occurred during a 12-day break for the Swans, with their next match scheduled against Brisbane on June 25.
The Sydney Swans declined to comment when contacted by media regarding the players' late-night activities in Adelaide. This report surfaces as the club faces increased scrutiny following the hotel scandal and allegations of misconduct.
Police reportedly determined that the players involved in the hotel incident were not fit to be interviewed immediately after the event. Heeney later voluntarily attended a city police station but was reportedly sent away. Further allegations have emerged regarding comments allegedly made by players during the incident, including one player reportedly referencing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's controversial remarks about "melons."
The lawyer representing two women involved in the hotel incident, John Karantzis of Carbone Lawyers, has stated that the full details of the events have yet to emerge. Karantzis claimed that approximately 10 men were in the hotel room with three women, contradicting the club's statement that only the five suspended players were present. He described the situation as "totally unacceptable" and stated that the women involved are traumatized and fearful.
The Sydney Swans reiterated their stance in a statement, confirming that their internal investigations indicated only the five suspended players were in the room central to the police investigation. The club stated they have reason to believe reports to the contrary are false and are considering their legal options regarding misinformation. The club acknowledged the difficult week for all involved and has suspended the five players pending further investigations.
Sydney coach Dean Cox and captain Callum Mills addressed the media on Friday, speaking publicly for the first time since the suspensions. Cox acknowledged that the club leaders need to take responsibility for rebuilding the Swans' reputation. He stated that the club values every person within its organization and that leaders must guide the team's culture. The coach added that the club will move forward and strive to regain trust.
James Rowbottom, Harry Cunningham, Angus Sheldrick, Caiden Cleary, and Tom Hanily have been confirmed as replacements for the suspended players for the upcoming AFL clash with North Melbourne.