Victoria Police Won’t Charge Four Sydney Players Over Hotel Allegation
Victoria Police said they will not lay criminal charges against four Sydney Swans players investigated over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel, citing insufficient evidence. Isaac Heeney called the past three months incredibly difficult and thanked his family and the club.
Victoria Police decided on Friday, November 13, 2026, not to charge four Sydney Swans players who were investigated over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel. Police decide charge Sydney players will not face after the investigation concluded, citing insufficient evidence.
Sydney vice-captain Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner were named in the investigation. So was Nick Blakey, who is now a North Melbourne player. All four are understood to have assisted police and have no further case to answer.
What police said
"Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence," a police statement read.
Police added that they cannot comment further because of an ongoing civil matter. The players have reportedly denied any criminal wrongdoing.
The August incident
Police have previously said three women made a report after the alleged incident in the early hours of August 17. It took place at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne.
The four players, along with teammate Riley Bice, were suspended by the Swans in August. The club said they had breached its standards, including drinking and bringing women back to their hotel the night after an AFL game in Melbourne.
The police investigation ran separately from the club's action. Bice and two other people believed to be in the hotel room at the time are understood to have been treated as witnesses.
Heeney responds
Heeney welcomed the decision in a statement. "The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me," he said.
He thanked those who stood by him. "Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking," Heeney said.
He also thanked the club's players, coaches, board, sponsors, members and fans "for keeping faith in me". He said he is focused on repaying that faith "by being the best person and player I can be".
Club review continues
The case, together with experienced forward Tom Papley's alleged positive roadside drug test last week, led the Swans to appoint external advisors. They are carrying out an independent review of the club's culture.
