in brief
- Five Sydney Swans players have been suspended for the remainder of the AFL season.
- The players are stepped down amid an ongoing sexual assault investigation.
Sydney Swans players involved in an alleged sexual assault investigation will sit out the remainder of the 2026 season, the club has confirmed.
The players have been named as Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner and will "not be considered for selection for the remainder of the 2026 AFL Season," the club announced on Wednesday morning.
"The AFL is supportive of the Club's sanctions."
It maintained the decision was independent of the police investigation.
"We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this."
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Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and CEO Matthew Pavlich will be speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon.
Victoria Police attended the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne on Monday to investigate a sexual assault report in the early hours of the morning.
Five players were linked to the police investigation and have not been arrested or charged.
It is not suggested that the five players have been accused of sexual assault.
Tuesday evening crisis talks
The club's board met on Tuesday night to agree on player sanctions and penalties, which they say occurred after the club "concluded its interviews" with the players involved in the incident.
"The Club believes the players are in serious breach of expected Club behaviour and standards, and it is appropriate to take firm action and highlight that any sanction we impose relates solely to those breaches," the club said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
"The Club also acknowledges that these serious allegations impact others and their wellbeing must be paramount.
"The Sydney Swans condemn all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women."
It said any further sanctions or decisions regarding the outcome of the police investigation would take place after that process is completed.
Australian Football League (AFL) CEO Andrew Dillon also released a statement on Tuesday evening, saying the incident raised "broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport".
"The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected," Dillon said.
"Sexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season."
The sanctions will mean the five players will not be playing in the finals.
Dillon said the AFL and Sydney Swans will "consider the broader conduct of the players as more information comes to light".
This is a developing story and this article will be updated with further details shortly.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
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