Sydney Swans Ban 5 Players for Rest of AFL Season over Hotel Misconduct and a Police Investigation
The club said the bans were separate from a Victoria Police probe and could sideline the players for the rest of the season.
- On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the Sydney Swans suspended five players—Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice, and James Jordon—for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season, ruling them out of the finals series.
- Following a Sunday night incident at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel where players stayed out late and brought women to their rooms, Victoria Police launched an investigation into alleged sexual assault, prompting the club's disciplinary action.
- Sydney Swans president Andrew Pridham said the board accepted they had to "effectively torpedo our season," while CEO Matthew Pavlich stated the club was "deeply embarrassed and ashamed" by the players' poor choices.
- Despite Sydney securing second position on the ladder, the team must now compete without five key contributors during the finals campaign. Pridham offered a "sincere apology" to fans and corporate partners for the deep disappointment.
- Victoria Police continue investigating the incident with no charges laid, while AFL CEO Andrew Dillon called the allegations "deeply concerning" and confirmed the league is supportive of the club's independent sanctions.
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Associated Press News
Sydney Swans ban 5 players for rest of AFL season over hotel misconduct and a police investigation
Five Australian rules footballers have been banned for the rest of the AFL season by the Sydney Swans for breaching club standards during a stay at a Melbourne hotel that led to a police investigation into sexual assault allegations.
Sydney Swans ‘Torpedo’ Season by Banning 5 Players
Sydney Swan’s Chairman Andrew Pridham admits the club has “torpedoed” its premiership chances by banning five players for their behaviour at a Melbourne hotel. Swans stars Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, as well as Riley Bice and James Jordon, won’t play again this season in a bombshell ruling from the club. The players have been linked to an ongoing police investigation into sexual assault allegations at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hote…
Five Sydney Swans players wiped out for 2026 AFL season as police investigation continues
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Matthew Pavlich have for the first time shared details of the hotel incident which has resulted in five players being banned for the season.
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