Police Interview Four Men Over Sydney Swans Hotel Case
Victoria Police say all parties in the East Melbourne hotel room have been identified, with no arrests made and no charges laid.
Interviews in New South Wales
Detectives from Victoria Police's Sexual Crimes Squad travelled from Victoria to New South Wales this week and spoke with four men in relation to an alleged sexual assault linked to the Sydney Swans, an Australian Football League club.
According to the ABC, the four were a 26-year-old man from Randwick, a 30-year-old man from Maroubra, a 25-year-old man from Randwick and a 25-year-old man from Paddington. Investigators said that round of interviews has now concluded.
Police said they also spoke to, or will speak to, three further men believed to have been in the hotel room, who are being treated solely as witnesses at this stage. No one has been arrested and no charges have been laid.
The Pullman Hotel Allegations
The allegations relate to events at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne, where the Swans were staying for their round 23 match against Essendon. It is understood players were joined by several adult entertainers in the early hours of August 17.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that three women have made a report to police. The masthead said the case is now in its third week.
Victoria Police said they believe all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident have been identified and that they are not looking for anyone further. The force said it does not expect to give another update for about eight weeks.
Players Stood Down
The Swans stood down five players, vice captain Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, Riley Bice and Nick Blakey, for breaching club standards over drinking, staying out late and bringing women to the team hotel. The club-imposed bans rule them out for the rest of the season and are separate to the police investigation.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Bice, 25, a mature age recruit through the 2024 draft, has been cleared of any criminal conduct and is now treated as a potential witness. It reported that Heeney, Warner, Blakey and Jordon all remain part of the investigation, citing a source with knowledge of the inquiry who was not authorised to speak publicly.
That same source said some of the group declined to give voluntary accounts, and that police can seek to interview them again at any time. The Age reported the five have denied any criminal wrongdoing, according to a source with knowledge of the matter, and that at least three separate legal counsels are acting for them.
Club and Coach Response
In a statement issued after the police update on Wednesday, the Swans said the wellbeing of those impacted remains of paramount importance and that it was not appropriate to comment further while the investigation continues. The club again apologised to members, fans, sponsors, staff and players across its women's and men's programs.
Sydney coach Dean Cox told the AFL 360 programme he had not ruled out the five returning to the club before the end of the season, saying there is no timeframe and that things are changing by the hour and the day. He said he had not spoken to them about the police investigation.
The Age reported that no Swans officials are accused of inappropriate behaviour. Two separate law firms have been engaged to represent three women considering civil action, with their lawyers previously alleging the women are suffering severe stress and anxiety and may pursue damages.
More from Donator TRENDS
Eala Takes Opening Set Against Stoiana at the US Open
The Philippines' Alexandra Eala, ranked a career-high No 18, won the first set 6-1 against American qualifier Mary Stoiana in New York.
Sport
Gauff Beats Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez in US Open Opener
The 24-year-old Turkish player, ranked 53rd in the world, pushed the fourth seed in the second set before losing 6-3, 6-4 in New York.
Sport
Alex Eala opens US Open campaign against Mary Stoiana
The 21-year-old Filipina, ranked No. 18 in the world, returns to Flushing Meadows a year after her only main-draw win there.
Sport
Kittle Back at Practice as Yahoo Fantasy ADP Shifts
Tight ends are moving fastest in the final week of 2026 draft season, with George Kittle, Dalton Schultz and Terrance Ferguson all climbing.
Sport
Brewers Take 7 1/2-Game Lead Into Four Games at Wrigley
Milwaukee arrives in Chicago at 85-52 and clear of the Cubs in the National League Central, opening seven meetings in 10 days.
Sport
Coco Gauff Opens US Open Bid Against Zeynep Sonmez
The 2023 champion, ranked No. 4 in the world, meets the Turkish player in a first-round night match at Flushing Meadows.
Sport