The Sydney Swans have suspended five players for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season following misconduct at a Melbourne hotel. Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordan, and Chad Warner will be ineligible for selection for upcoming regular-season matches and playoff competition, the club announced Wednesday.
The suspensions stem from code of conduct violations that occurred during a hotel stay in East Melbourne following a Sunday game. Club leadership determined the players’ behavior—including late-night activities, excessive drinking, and bringing guests to the hotel—fell significantly below organizational standards. The players were staying at the facility because scheduling constraints prevented them from returning to Sydney before an airport curfew.
The club’s disciplinary action operates independently from an ongoing Victoria Police investigation into allegations of sexual assault at the hotel. No charges have been filed, and no player has been identified as a suspect in the alleged incident. The woman who filed the complaint with police is entitled to privacy and support, according to statements from both the AFL and the Swans organization.
Sydney Swans leadership emphasized their commitment to accountability and respect for women. Chairman Andrew Pridham acknowledged the severity of the decision, noting that removing five players mid-season reflects how seriously the club regards the misconduct and its values.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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