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Four top Australian Football League (AFL) players investigated over an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel earlier this year will not face criminal charges, police announced.
Police Investigation and Suspensions
Authorities stated that following a comprehensive investigation and based on legal advice, they would not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence. The case involved four Sydney Swans players: Isaac Heeney, James Jordon, Chad Warner, and Nick Blakey, who currently plays for North Melbourne. These athletes had been suspended for the remainder of the season following the August incident.
The players previously denied any wrongdoing but issued apologies for violating club standards by inviting women back to their hotel following a match and consuming alcohol. Australian media reports indicated that three women, identified as adult entertainers, alleged inappropriate touching occurred during the Pullman Hotel incident and are pursuing civil action. Police noted they cannot comment further due to the ongoing civil litigation. A fifth player suspended by the club, Riley Bice, was previously cleared by law enforcement.
Reactions from Legal Representatives and Players
Legal counsel for one of the women stated that his client was devastated by the police outcome. Jackson Pannam of Slater and Gordon law firm explained that the decision does not mean the reported incident did not happen, nor does it lessen the seriousness or impact of the event. John Karantzis of Carbone Lawyers, representing the other two women, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that his clients felt very disappointed and distressed. He confirmed they intend to vigorously pursue a civil claim, which relies on a different burden of proof based on the balance of probabilities.
Isaac Heeney welcomed the police announcement, expressing that the past three months proved incredibly difficult for his family, his fiancee Steffie, and those close to him. He thanked his family and friends for their love and loyalty.
Club and League Responses
The Sydney Swans stated that their decision to suspend the players remained distinct from the police investigation and stood by that choice. The club initiated a thorough review of its AFL program, committing to implement meaningful changes to build a better environment. Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich told reporters that the day offered no reason to celebrate and emphasized the club’s focus on program improvements and restoring long-held standards. Meanwhile, the AFL acknowledged the police decision in a separate statement, reserving the right to investigate if additional relevant information emerges.
