“Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking,” said Isaac Heeney, after Victoria Police cleared four Sydney Swans players over an investigation into an alleged hotel incident.
Victoria Police announced on November 13, 2026, that no charges would be laid against Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, and Nick Blakey following a three-month inquiry into an August 17 post-match gathering at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel following an Essendon match.
Police detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad investigated reports of sexual assault from three women who were in a hotel suite during the early hours of August 17. Authorities confirmed that the investigation would not proceed to criminal charges due to insufficient evidence and legal advice.
“My clients’ civil claim is based on a different burden of proof, it is based on the balance of probabilities,” said John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers, representing two of the women who intend to vigorously pursue civil action.
Slater and Gordon senior lawyer Jackson Pannam, representing a third woman, said that his client was devastated by the outcome and that the police decision did not mean the reported incident failed to happen.
“Our client is devastated by this outcome,” Pannam said. “She reported the incident immediately, provided a formal statement and cooperated fully with the investigation. She has shown enormous courage in coming forward.”
“The decision by Victoria Police does not amount to a finding that the incident our client reported did not occur, nor does it diminish the seriousness of what she says happened or its profound impact on her,” Pannam added.
John Karantzis from Carbone Lawyers said that his clients were “very disappointed and distressed” and confirmed that letters had been sent to players outlining the women’s intention to pursue legal action.
“Due to the ongoing civil matter, Victoria Police is unable to make further comment,” police said on Friday.
The Sydney Swans previously suspended five players, including fifth player Riley Bice who was earlier cleared as a witness, for breaching club standards during the August 17 event. Nick Blakey subsequently joined North Melbourne during the trade period.
“Not a day for anyone to really celebrate,” said Sydney chief executive Matthew Pavlich, saying that the club is looking at the programme and conducting an independent culture review.
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive Matthew Pavlich informed members in a letter that an independent review of the club is underway, structured across three phases.
The independent review was prompted by the Pullman Hotel scandal alongside a separate incident involving experienced forward Tom Papley, who allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test.
“Rebuilding trust will not come from our words, but rather our actions,” Pridham and Pavlich promised in their statement to members.
Reflecting on the support he received throughout the ordeal, Isaac Heeney shared a message of gratitude:
“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,” Heeney added.