Bombshell season-ending bans confirmed for FIVE Swans players — LIVE
FOX SPORTS Australia · Will Faulkner · 2026-08-18T21:20:35+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Bombshell season-ending bans confirmed for FIVE Swans players — LIVE
A Sydney board meeting on Tuesday night has determined that five players have been suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season for their behaviour prior and separate to an alleged sexual assault incident in East Melbourne.
In a club statement released at 10:01am AEST, the Swans confirmed that Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner will not be considered for selection for the remainder of the year — which could see them unavailable for as many as five matches before season’s end.
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“The AFL is supportive of the Club’s sanctions,” the statement read.
“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and the actions we have taken today are independent of this.”
Club Chairman Andrew Pridham and CEO Matthew Pavlich spoke to media at 12pm AEST at Swans HQ, with Pridham saying the heavy sanctions have “torpedoed” the club’s season.
Follow all the latest developments, reaction and official updates in our live blog below. If you can’t see the blog,tap here.
Several reports on Monday revealed that in the wake of their club’s six-goal win over Essendon on Sunday evening, Heeney, Warner, Jordon and Bice all spoke with Victoria Police in relation to the broader incident at the Pullman Hotel.
The Age reported on Tuesday night that a fifth player, Blakey, also remained in Melbourne as police began enquiries into the broader incident. Blakey’s agent insists that the player has not spoken with police, even informally, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing.
Police are investigating an allegation of sexual assault made following the incident, which has since been referred to the Sexual Crimes Squad.
Foxfooty.com.au is not suggesting any of the aforementioned players are under investigation by police, only that they are assisting with enquiries.
Prior to the eventual punishment, the Swans confirmed at 8pm AEST on Tuesday night that their board were meeting to determine punishments for the conduct of players independent to the investigation being made by Victoria Police.
“The Sydney Swans can confirm that the club board will meet tonight to agree on player sanctions and penalties, now that the Club has concluded its interviews with all the players involved in the incident in Melbourne,” it read.
“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and any actions we take are independent of this.
“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 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. Any conduct that causes offence or harm to others is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations. All women deserve to be respected and feel safe.
“We also want to acknowledge that the care and welfare of our AFLW athletes and staff is of the utmost importance to us as a Club. They have been and will continue to be offered the support they require and we acknowledge the impact these allegations have on our female athletes, staff members and the wider community.