The Sydney Swans have issued a statement just hours after Victoria Police cleared four of the club’s players following a sexual assault investigation.
Three months after the Pullman Hotel saga rocked the AFL world, Victoria Police revealed on Friday morning that no charges would be laid against Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey over the incident.
“Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence,” a police spokesperson said.
Five players — including Riley Bice who was cleared by police and treated only as a witness — were stood down by Sydney for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season as the three-month investigation took place.
The club responded to the news with a statement shortly after 9am on Friday.
“The Sydney Swans acknowledge today’s statement from Victoria Police that its investigation has concluded, with no charges laid against any Sydney Swans player,” the statement said.
“The Club stood down players Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordan and Chad Warner in August 2026 because their conduct fell short of the standards of behaviour expected at the Club.
“The Club was clear from the outset that this decision was separate from the police investigation, and it stands by that decision.
“The Club has commenced a comprehensive examination of its AFL program and is committed to acting on the findings and implementing meaningful change to build an environment that players, staff, members, supporters and corporate partners can be proud of.”
The investigation was launched on August 17 after exotic dancers hired by the AFL stars claimed they were assaulted in the early hours of the morning.
Victoria Police received complaints that women were inappropriately touched and slapped by men at Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel where the players were staying after defeating Essendon at the MCG.
Warner, Heeney, Jordon and Blakey have maintained their innocence since the beginning of the investigation.
After Friday’s announcement, Heeney was the first of the players to publicly speak about being cleared.
“I welcome today’s announcement from Victorian Police,” he said.
“The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, [fiancee] Steffie and those close to me. Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking.”
He went on to thank the entire Sydney Swans club for “keeping faith in (him)“ through the ordeal.
“The Swans have given me an opportunity to live out a childhood dream and I am fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be.”
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