The AFL has released a statement after Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, and North Melbourne recruit Nick Blakey were cleared by Victoria Police over a night of partying with three strippers at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel.
The league said it reserved the right to investigate if any further relevant information came to light, but did not announce any further penalty for the players, who, along with teammate Riley Bice, were suspended for the remainder of the season by their club for breaching behavioural standards during celebrations of their club’s round 23 win over Essendon at the MCG.
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 explained it stood down players Bice, Blakey, Heeney, Jordon and Warner, “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,” the club said in its statement.
“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 chief Matthew Pavlich said the Swans were still absorbing the news that police were not charging any of the players.
“Today is about the Victoria Police investigation and that they have finalised that, any future things, we will deal with that as it comes,” Pavlich said in a short press conference.
He also said the Swans, who are undergoing a cultural review, had much work to do to rebuild the club’s reputation following the scandal.
“This is not a day for anyone to celebrate,” Pavlich said.
The AFL confirmed it had been advised that Victoria Police’s investigation of the allegations that arose from the gathering at the Pullman hotel had concluded, “with no charges laid against any AFL player”.
“This outcome is separate from action already taken to address the conduct of players who were sanctioned by the Sydney Swans in August,” the AFL said.
“The AFL endorsed the Sydney Swans standing down five players for the remainder of the season, including all finals matches, in response to behaviour that fell well short of the standards expected of those involved in Australian football.
“The five sanctioned players were also deemed by the AFL to be unavailable for selection for the [2026] AFL All Australian [team].”
Earlier on Friday, Victoria Police issued a five-line media statement confirming no charges would be laid as a result of its investigation.
“Respect and accountability are standards which are fundamental to maintaining trust in the game, and everyone connected with it has a responsibility to uphold its values,” the AFL statement added.
The AFL recognises the importance of continuing to strengthen the game’s culture, education, and player accountability.
The AFL reserves the right to investigate if any further relevant information comes to light.
More to come.
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Sam McClure is an award-winning AFL journalist and broadcaster.Connect via X or email.
