FOUR players will not be charged after police confirmed they have finalised their investigation into a hotel room afterparty.

Sydney players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and now-former Swan Nick Blakey have been under investigation since August after three women made reports of sexual assault to police after an alleged incident at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. 

Victoria Police confirmed on Friday morning that no criminal charges would be laid.

"Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence," police said in a statement.

The four players, and fifth player Riley Bice who was later cleared by police, were suspended from round 24 and the club's two finals for what the club termed a "serious breach of expected club behaviour and standards" after the incident at the Pullman Hotel on August 17 after Sydney's win over Essendon. 

Those AFL-endorsed club bans were separate from the police investigation.

Victoria Police confirmed a civil matter is ongoing.

Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich said the club stood by its decision to impose its internal sanctions regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.

"This is not a day for anyone to really celebrate," he told reporters on Friday.

"We're still looking very hard at the program and understanding where we need to get better for the future, and examining that in really thorough detail.

"So, for us, there's work to be done, a lot of work to be done. But we're up for that work, and I can guarantee everyone out there that we'll be doing everything we can to restore the standards and behaviours that this club has held for a long time."

He added: "The club's been through a really difficult period, and we're deeply sorry to fans, members, and corporate partners. But I think they've been riding that journey with us, and the foundations of this football club are really strong. Have we made mistakes? Do we need to get better? Absolutely, and we will. But today's an opportunity to move forward."

Pavlich confirmed the club is "working through" how and when the remaining players will reintegrate into pre-season training.

"We've been in constant contact with the players through the whole process," he said. 

"I think they realise that today's a moment for them to move forward. It's time for everyone to move forward, and at some point they'll be back here in training and back in with their teammates, and that's going to be an important step."

When asked if the club would back the players in any potential civil action, Pavlich replied: "Today's about the Victoria Police investigation and the fact that they've finalised that. Any future aspects, we'll deal with them as they come".

The AFL stood by the penalties handed to the players by the Swans, and reserved its right to open its own investigation if new information became available.  

"Respect and accountability are standards which are fundamental to maintaining trust in the game, and everyone connected with it has a responsibility to uphold its values," the League said in a statement.  

"The AFL recognises the importance of continuing to strengthen the game’s culture, education, and player accountability."

"The AFL reserves the right to investigate if any further relevant information comes to light."

In a statement on Friday morning, Heeney welcomed the decision.

"The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, (fiancee) Steffi, and those close to me ... watching my family carrying the weight of this has been heartbreaking," he said in a statement.

"To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice ... to those that have never doubted me, and stood by my side in solidarity, thank you.“

One of the women at the centre of the scandal says she is devastated police decided not to charge the four players.

Slater and Gordon senior lawyer Jackson Pannam, whose firm is representing one of the women who alleges being sexually assaulted, said a police decision to not lay criminal charges does not mean an incident did not occur.

"Our client is devastated by this outcome. She reported the incident immediately, provided a formal statement and cooperated fully with the investigation. She has shown enormous courage in coming forward," he said.

"The absence of criminal charges does not prevent a civil claim from proceeding ... this outcome also sits within broader patterns of under-reporting and attrition in sexual offence matters."

At the time of the suspensions, Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said Sydney's premiership bid had been "torpedoed" and the club made a preliminary final exit.

While Heeney, Warner, Jordon and Bice remain at the club, Blakey requested a trade and joined North Melbourne last month.

Sydney is undertaking a review of its AFL program and broader culture, engaging an independent adviser as part of a process expected to be completed by the end of the year.

In the latest off-field incident, forward Tom Papley was issued a court attendance notice earlier this month.

Papley received the notice for driving with a suspended licence, which the club said was due to the non-payment of a parking fine. NSW Police confirmed that during the roadside stop, a random drug test returned a positive preliminary indication. A secondary oral-fluid sample was taken for analysis.

The Swans said Papley reported the incident immediately and the club subsequently notified the AFL.

AFL statement

The AFL has been advised that the Victoria Police investigation has concluded, with no charges laid against any AFL player.

This outcome is separate from action already taken to address the conduct of players who were sanctioned by the Sydney Swans in August.

The AFL endorsed the Sydney Swans standing down five players for the remainder of the season, including all finals matches, in response to behaviour that fell well short of the standard expected of those involved in Australian football.

The five sanctioned players were also deemed by the AFL to be unavailable for selection for the AFL All-Australian award.

Respect and accountability are standards which are fundamental to maintaining trust in the game, and everyone connected with it has a responsibility to uphold its values.

The AFL recognises the importance of continuing to strengthen the game’s culture, education, and player accountability.

The AFL reserves the right to investigate if any further relevant information comes to light.

Victoria Police statement

Sexual Crimes Squad detectives received reports of sexual assault in East Melbourne on 17 August.

The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of the morning.

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

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

Sydney statement

The Sydney Swans acknowledge today's statement from Victoria Police that its investigation has concluded, with no charges laid against any Sydney Swans player.

The Club stood down players Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner in August 2026 because their conduct fell short of the standards of behaviour expected at the Club.

The Club was clear from the outset that this decision was separate from the police investigation, and it stands by that decision.

The Club has commenced a comprehensive examination of its AFL program and is committed to acting on the findings and implementing meaningful change to build an environment that players, staff, members, supporters and corporate partners can be proud of.

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