Source : the age
Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, and North Melbourne recruit Nick Blakey have been cleared by Victoria Police over a night of partying with three strippers at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel.
Two sources with knowledge of the investigation, but not authorised to speak publicly, said the force had informed the parties they had not found enough evidence to proceed with charges against the group, who have been under scrutiny for almost three months.
A five-line media statement from Victoria Police, issued after the women were told the outcome, brought an end to the inquiry.
“Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence,” it read.
“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment.”
Heeney immediately issued a statement thanking those who had stood by him and pledging to repay the club.
“I welcome today’s announcement from Victoria Police,” Heeney said.
“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 can be.”
Chad Warner said he was glad the matter was now resolved.
Isaac Heeney’s full statement
“I welcome today’s announcement from Victorian Police.
The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me. 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 have 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.
To the entire Sydney Swans Club – my teammates, coaches, the board, our sponsors, and our loyal members and fans – thank you for keeping faith in me.
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 can be.”
“I was always confident of the outcome. It has been a stressful time for myself and those close to me, particularly my partner Alice. I will not be making any further comments from here and will be focusing on my football and playing for the Sydney Swans in 2027.”
The players have maintained their innocence and denied any criminal wrongdoing over the alleged incident that unfolded in a hotel suite in the pre-dawn hours of August 17.
Three exotic dancers were engaged by the men to perform in one of the players’ hotel rooms after the team’s round 23 win against Essendon.
In separate statements to Victoria Police, each of the women variously alleged they were sexually assaulted and touched inappropriately without consent.
Swans player Riley Bice, now retired teammate Taylor Adams and a mystery man, who were in the room that night, had already been told by police they were only being treated as witnesses.
Separately, each of the three women has engaged lawyers to pursue potential civil legal action against the men, with that process still unfolding.
The lawyer for two of the women, John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers, said they were pressing ahead with their civil claims.
“Criminal prosecution has a very high standard of burden of proof that is beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said after the result of the police investigation was revealed.
“My clients’ claims are on a different standard. 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.”
Carbone has sent letters to players outlining the women’s intention to pursue legal action. The letters included a draft statement of claim and offer to begin talks between the parties.
The other law firm involved in the civil action, Slater and Gordon, said their client was “devastated” by the outcome.
“She reported the incident immediately, provided a formal statement and cooperated fully with the investigation. She has shown enormous courage in coming forward,” senior lawyer Jackson Pannam said.
“The decision by Victoria Police does not amount to a finding that the incident our client reported did not occur, nor does it diminish the seriousness of what she says happened or its profound impact on her.
“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.”
The AFL released a statement saying the reserved the right to investigate if any further relevant information comes to light but announced no further penalty for the players, who were banned from the field for the remainder of the 2026 season, with the AFL’s endorsement, for drinking, staying out late and inviting women back to the team hotel – a breach of the club’s behaviour standards.
The Swans also released a statement on Friday, acknowledging “today’s statement from Victoria Police that its investigation has concluded, with no charges laid against any Sydney Swans player.
“The club stood down players Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner in August 2026 because their conduct fell short of the standards of behaviour expected at the club. The club was clear from the outset that this decision was separate from the police investigation, and it stands by that decision.
Blakey was on October 12 traded to North Melbourne in an eight-year deal worth more than $11 million, after reportedly being unhappy with the way the Andrew Pridham-chaired club handled the incident.
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