Police have seized a secret audio recording that allegedly captures detailed accounts of events being investigated as part of sexual assault allegations involving Sydney Swans players. The recording was reportedly made in the days following an alleged incident at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel in the early hours of August 17.
Sources close to the investigation told The Sydney Morning Herald that the recording includes accounts from individuals who were inside the hotel room, which reportedly contained five Sydney Swans players and two other men. The recording also allegedly details how two men engaged three women as topless waitresses. Further accounts in the recording describe events in the hotel lobby, where Swans officials, including coach Dean Cox, were seen interacting with some of the women.
Players Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon were reportedly present at the hotel on August 17 when the alleged assaults took place. Three other men believed to have been in the room at the time have been interviewed as witnesses. Victoria Police have stated they are not looking to speak with anyone else in relation to the investigation. No charges have been laid, and it is not suggested that the players were involved in any wrongdoing.
The Sydney Swans have categorically stated that none of their staff were in the hotel room and are not involved in the investigation. The club has declined to comment on the investigation or the on-field status of the five players, who are currently serving season-long suspensions for a serious breach of club behavior and standards.
Both the Swans and the Australian Football League (AFL) were informed of the recording's existence but had no confirmation of its contents. The recording is expected to be a significant piece of evidence for the investigation, which Victoria Police indicated could take at least another eight weeks to conclude.
Victoria Police confirmed that detectives had traveled to Sydney to interview four of the five players, with the fifth player now considered a witness. Police have identified all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident and are not seeking further individuals. Officials declined to provide further commentary on the ongoing investigation.
The five suspended players will not participate in the Swans' upcoming qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions.