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Breaking: Sydney Swans players will not face charges over sex assault investigation

ABC News Australia •
November 12, 2026 • 11:56 PM
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Victoria Police say a thorough investigation has concluded there is insufficient evidence to lay charges over the incident at a Melbourne hotel in August.

Breaking: Sydney Swans players will not face charges over sex assault investigation

(Clockwise from top left) Sydney Swans players James Jordon, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney will not face criminal charges. ( ABC News/Getty Images )

Four Sydney Swans players involved in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault will not face charges.

Victoria Police said a "thorough investigation" had concluded there was "insufficient evidence".

Player Isaac Heeney welcomed the news, saying the past three months had been "incredibly difficult" for his family.

Sydney Swans players embroiled in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in a Melbourne hotel will not face criminal charges.

Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey had been under a police investigation over the alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in late August.

Several adult entertainers are understood to have joined players at the hotel after being hired in the hours after the Swans' win against Essendon on August 17.

The ABC understands the investigation centred on a player allegedly touching one of the women without her consent.

This morning, Victoria Police confirmed no charges would be laid.

"Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence," a police spokesperson said.

Victoria Police said due to an "ongoing civil matter", no further comment would be made.

The players were stood down by the Sydney Swans in the days after the incident, for staying out late drinking and bringing women back to the team hotel in breach of club standards.

In a statement, Heeney welcomed the police announcement.

"The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me," Heeney said.

"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.

Swans player Isaac Heeney was among those spoken to by police during the investigation. ( AAP: Dan Himbrechts )

"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."

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Same Story from Other Publications

Compare how 6 other independent news outlets reported on this story.

6 Publications
BBC News
16h ago
Sydney Swans players will not be charged after hotel incident, police say

Sydney Swans players will not be charged after hotel incident, police say

Four players had been under investigation after an alleged sexual assault after a game in Melbourne.

#sydney-swans #melbourne #sydney
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The Age
10h ago
The steps the Swans must now take to put this scandal behind them

The steps the Swans must now take to put this scandal behind them

The player who has gained the most – or averted the absolute worst – from the police finding is surely Isaac Heeney.

#isaac #heeney #swans
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The Australian Financial Review (AFR)
16h ago
No charges for Sydney Swans players after Pullman night

No charges for Sydney Swans players after Pullman night

Four Sydney Swans players will not be charged after police confirmed they have finalised their investigation into a hotel room afterparty.

#sydney-swans #sydney #swans
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Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)
16h ago
Four players cleared by police in Sydney Swans Pullman Hotel investigation

Four players cleared by police in Sydney Swans Pullman Hotel investigation

Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey have been cleared by police in their investigation into allegations of sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel.

#sydney #swans #investigation
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SBS News Australia
16h ago
Swans players will not be charged following police investigation into hotel party

Swans players will not be charged following police investigation into hotel party

The four Swans players had been under investigation since August.

#swans #investigation
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The Guardian
1d ago
Farage was guest on Brand podcast after sexual assault investigation began

Farage was guest on Brand podcast after sexual assault investigation began

Reform leader this week criticised the Labour party for ‘cosying up to’ and ‘promoting’ disgraced comedian

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