Victoria Police dropped all criminal charges against four Sydney Swans players over an alleged hotel incident.
Investigators announced on November 13, 2026, that no charges would be brought against Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, and Nick Blakey following a thorough inquiry into an early-morning gathering at the Pullman Hotel on Wellington Parade in East Melbourne on August 17.
Police Close Inquiry Without Charges
The Sexual Crimes Squad examined reports of sexual assault stemming from an afterparty involving adult entertainers hired hours after Sydney’s round 23 win against Essendon at the MCG. Detectives reviewed the matter for nearly three months before concluding that insufficient evidence existed to secure a prosecution.
Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
Victoria Police, police statement
Civil claims initiated by the women involved remain active. Slater and Gordon senior lawyer Jackson Pannam, who represents one of the women who reported being allegedly assaulted, said that his client was devastated by the police outcome but intended to pursue a civil claim for personal injury in the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The absence of criminal charges does not prevent a civil claim from proceeding … this outcome also sits within broader patterns of under-reporting and attrition in sexual offence matters.
Jackson Pannam, Slater and Gordon senior lawyer
Mr Pannam said that civil claims must be proved on a different legal standard than criminal trials.
It is a civil claim for personal injury and as such the standard is on the balance of probabilities. Our clients will vigorously fight and proceed with their claims.
Jackson Pannam, Slater and Gordon senior lawyer
Victoria Police said that no further comment would be provided due to the ongoing civil matter. Carbone has sent letters to players outlining the women’s intention to pursue legal action.
Sydney Swans Maintain Club Sanctions
The Sydney Swans maintained the internal disciplinary action taken against the squad members in August. The club suspended Heeney, Warner, Jordon, Blakey, and teammate Riley Bice for the remainder of the season, including round 24 and two finals matches, for breaching player standards by staying out late drinking and bringing guests back to the team hotel.
Swans management issued a statement about the internal sanctions remaining entirely separate from the police investigation.
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.
Sydney Swans, club management statement
Heeney released a statement addressing the conclusion of the police inquiry and thanking supporters for standing by him through intense public scrutiny. Isaac Heeney welcomed the announcement that he would not face criminal charges over the incident. Heeney won the award as the club’s best player for 2026. Warner also mentioned how the saga has impacted his long term partner Alice. Alice moved from Perth to support Warner after he was recruited by the Swans.
It has been a stressful time for myself and those close to me, particularly my partner Alice. Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking. To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice.
To those that never doubted me and stood by my side in solidarity – thank you. I know it has not been easy in the face of such intense public scrutiny. I will never forget your support. I was always confident of the outcome.
I welcome today’s announcement from Victoria Police. Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking. 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 be.
Isaac Heeney, Sydney Swans player
AFL Endorses Club Sanctions After Police Investigation Concludes
The AFL acknowledged the conclusion of the Victoria Police investigation while endorsing the club-imposed sanctions and confirming that the league retained the right to open its own inquiry if new information emerged.
Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich addressed reporters on November 13, 2026, following the police announcement.
This is not a day for anyone to really celebrate.
Matthew Pavlich, Sydney Swans chief executive
Blakey, who was traded to the North Melbourne Kangaroos in an eight-year deal worth more than $11 million on October 12, declined to make detailed comments when approached by reporters outside training on November 13, 2026. “We've been in constant contact with the players through the whole process.” Today’s a moment for them to move forward.
