Overview
The Sydney Swans are facing one of their most challenging weeks after five players were suspended for the remainder of the 2025 AFL season. The suspensions stem from an alleged incident in Melbourne that is also the subject of a Victoria Police investigation. Amid the turmoil, the club's AFLW team delivered a morale-boosting performance in front of a record crowd at the SCG.
Player Suspensions and Club Statement
The Sydney Swans confirmed that several footballers were involved in an "alleged incident" in Melbourne on Sunday night. In a statement issued just after midday on Monday, the club said: "The Swans have notified the AFL and relevant authorities and cannot provide further comment at this stage."
Five players—Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, and Chad Warner—have been suspended for the rest of the season for breaching club standards. The club sanctions are separate from the ongoing Victoria Police investigation, according to reports.
Victoria Police issued a statement saying detectives were investigating a report of a sexual assault in East Melbourne. The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of Monday morning. "The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing," a spokesperson said.
The Swans were staying in Melbourne overnight after their 36-point win over Essendon at the MCG the previous day.
Legal Representation and Women's Claims
Lawyer John Karantzis, representing two of the women involved, said his clients are suffering "severe stress and anxiety" and are claiming damages for pain and suffering. The women, who are understood to be adult entertainers, are receiving support from their families and professional services, according to Karantzis.
Karantzis said the women were told the men were carpenters and allege there were more people in the room than the five players identified by the Swans. The Swans issued a statement rejecting suggestions that other people involved with the club were present, saying: "We have every reason to consider that reports to the contrary are simply false."
The ABC understands the police investigation centres on a player allegedly touching one of the women without her consent. No police charges have been laid, and the women made a complaint to police on Monday morning and were interviewed by authorities. Late on Wednesday night, the five players who were stood down issued an apology. Swans captain Callum Mills said he was "deeply shocked and disappointed" and had not witnessed anything like this behaviour before.
AFLW Team's Record Victory
Despite the off-field turmoil, Sydney's AFLW team provided a bright spot, defeating Essendon by 24 points at the SCG in front of a record crowd of 16,672 fans—more than double the Swans' previous AFLW record. Captain Lucy McEvoy described the support as "unbelievable," saying the team was unsure what to expect during the week but were grateful for the backing.
"Our members and fans are so tight and they know that we're united as a club and we're better than what we were at the start of the week," McEvoy told Fox Footy.
Key performers included Laura Gardiner (31 disposals, six clearances, and a goal), Sofia Hurley (23 disposals, ten tackles, one goal), Ally Morphett (30 hitouts, eight clearances, 18 disposals), Taylor Smith (two goals), and Zippy Fish (23 disposals, nine intercepts). For Essendon, Maddison Prespakis had 32 disposals, Amy Gaylor 22, Georgia Nanscawen 13 contested possessions, and Sophie Alexander kicked three goals.
The match saw Bonnie Toowood give the Bombers a game-high nine-point lead in the third quarter, but Chloe Molloy put the Swans back in front, celebrating her goal with a 'W' sign. Essendon's Maddi Gay was forced off with a right shoulder/collarbone injury late in the fourth quarter.
Fan Support and Community Response
Supporters rallied behind the club on Sunday, with one fan holding a sign reading: "Be confident, be courageous, stand proud even when it hurts Bloods." The double-header at the SCG also featured the men's team taking on North Melbourne, amidst reports of possible fan walkouts. McEvoy urged fans to stick with the club, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Support Services
For those affected by sexual assault, support resources are available: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (1800 211 028).