Sydney Swans Issue Lengthy Statement as Police Drop Pullman Case
Victoria Police will not charge Sydney Swans players Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey over the Pullman Hotel incident. The club responded within hours, saying it stands by its decision to stand down five players and has begun a review of its AFL program.
The Sydney Swans issued a lengthy statement on Friday, November 13, 2026, hours after Victoria Police said it would not charge four of the club's players over an incident at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel.
Police confirmed no charges would be laid against Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey. The incident had rocked the AFL three months earlier.
"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.
What the club said
The Swans responded shortly after 9am on Friday. The club acknowledged that the police investigation had concluded with no charges against any Swans player.
It also defended its own earlier action. "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 statement said.
The Swans said the decision was separate from the police inquiry from the outset. "It stands by that decision," the club said.
The five were stood down for the rest of the 2026 AFL season. Bice was cleared by police and treated only as a witness.
The club said it has begun a comprehensive examination of its AFL program. It said it is committed to acting on the findings and making "meaningful change" to build an environment that players, staff, members, supporters and corporate partners can be proud of.
Background to the investigation
Police launched the investigation on August 17. Exotic dancers hired by the players 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 the Pullman Hotel. The players were staying there after beating Essendon at the MCG.
Warner, Heeney, Jordon and Blakey have maintained their innocence since the start of the investigation.
Heeney responds
Heeney was the first of the players to speak publicly after the announcement. "I welcome today's announcement from Victorian Police," he said.
He described the toll on those around him. "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."
Heeney thanked the Swans for "keeping faith in (him)" through the ordeal. He said he is fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player he can be.
