Swans players cleared by police over hotel night with dancers

Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, and North Melbourne recruit Nick Blakey have been cleared by Victoria Police over a night of partying with three strippers at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel.

Two sources with knowledge of the investigation, but not authorised to speak publicly, said the force had informed the parties they had not found enough evidence to proceed with charges against the group, who have been under scrutiny for almost three months.

A five-line media statement from Victoria Police, issued after the women were told the outcome, brought an end to the inquiry.

“Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence,” it read.

“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment.”

The players have maintained their innocence and denied any criminal wrongdoing over the alleged incident that unfolded in a hotel suite in the pre-dawn hours of August 17.

Three exotic dancers were engaged by the men to perform in one of the players’ hotel rooms after the team’s round 23 win against Essendon.

In separate statements to Victoria Police, each of the women variously alleged they were sexually assaulted and touched inappropriately without consent.

Swans player Riley Bice, now retired teammate Taylor Adams and a mystery man, who were in the room that night, had already been told by police they were only being treated as witnesses.

Separately, each of the three women has engaged lawyers to pursue potential civil legal action against the men, with that process still unfolding.

The lawyer for two of the women, John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers, said they were pressing ahead with their civil claims.

“Criminal prosecution has a very high standard of burden of proof that is beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said after the result of the police investigation was revealed.

“My clients’ claims are on a different standard. It is a civil claim for personal injury and as such the standard is on the balance of probabilities.

“Our clients will vigorously fight and proceed with their claims.”

Carbone has sent letters to players outlining the women’s intention to pursue legal action. The letters included a draft statement of claim and offer to begin talks between the parties.

After the incident, the Sydney Swans banned all five players from the field for the remainder of the 2026 season for drinking, staying out late and inviting women back to the team hotel – a breach of the club’s behaviour standards.

Blakey was on October 12 traded to North Melbourne in an eight-year deal worth more than $11 million, after reportedly being unhappy with the way the Andrew Pridham-chaired club handled the incident.

More to come

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