LATEST @ 10.15 AM | Five Sydney Swans stars have been sensationally stood down for the remainder of the AFL season over an alleged Melbourne hotel incident.
It comes after the board held crisis talks overnight after speaking with the players allegedly involved.
As a result, the club confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, and Chad Warner “will not be considered for selection for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season”.
“The AFL is supportive of the Club’s sanctions,” the statement continued.
The club has stressed that the sanctions are entirely independent of an ongoing investigation currently being conducted by Victoria Police.
“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this”.
EARLIER @ 6.45 AM | The playing futures of four Sydney Swans players hang in the balance today as the club prepares to announce immediate sanctions following reports of an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel.
The Sydney Swans confirmed that their board met overnight to review the internal findings after concluding interviews with all players involved in the early-week incident.
Victoria’s Sexual Crimes Squad has officially taken charge of the police investigation, probing the allegations stemming from the team’s stay in Melbourne.
In an official statement released overnight, the club stated that the involved players are in serious breach of club behaviour and standards.
“The Club believes the players are in serious breach of expected Club behaviour and standards, and it is appropriate to take firm action and highlight that any sanction we impose relates solely to those breaches,” the statement said.
The Swans forcefully condemned all forms of abuse and disrespectful behavior toward women, stressing that the welfare of the broader community and their AFLW athletes and staff remains paramount.
“Any conduct that causes offence or harm to others is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations. All women deserve to be respected and feel safe,” the club said.
The club noted that any future decisions or further sanctions regarding the outcome of the police investigation will be evaluated once that legal process concludes.
Meanwhile, support services are being extended not only to the players’ partners and families, but also to female staff and athletes impacted by the allegations.
“The Sydney Swans hold all players and staff at the Club to high standards of behaviour and personal conduct. Representing this Club carries significant responsibilities both on and off the field, and we expect those standards to be upheld at all times.
“Our focus remains on cooperating fully with the AFL and authorities, maintaining the integrity of the process, and upholding the high standards expected of everyone who represents this Club.”
