Sydney players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon, Riley Bice and another player have been named as the five players allegedly interviewed by Victorian police in relation to an alleged sexual assault case.
Seven News reported on Monday night that the alleged five players have not been arrested and voluntarily interviewed with police on Monday before leaving for Sydney later in the day.
One player's manager has been reported by Nine to be saying he has not been interviewed by police, nor has he provided or been asked to provide a statement by Victoria Police.
Zero Hanger is not suggesting any of the group of five are guilty of assault.
In a short press conference, Sydney CEO Matthew Pavlich said the club was "shocked and disappointed" by the incident.
“We're working our way through everything with the AFL and the relevant parties. We will update when we get more information.”
Dean Cox briefly spoke to reporters upon arrival at Swans HQ this morning. pic.twitter.com/HWojGPgvXV
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 17, 2026
"We can confirm that several players were involved in an alleged incident last night in Melbourne," Pavlich said.
"We've identified this to the AFL. We are working with them and also the relevant authorities on this matter. We're still piecing together exactly what's transpired here and have our own set of internal inquiries ongoing. It's safe to say that we're extremely shocked and disappointed that this has taken place and that the players have found themselves in this situation.
"We understand the level of interest in the matter, and there's going to be lots of speculation, but given it's a police matter right now, that is all that we can say.
"I'm not going to comment any further on it right now."
It was reported that a group of Swans players were involved in a serious incident involving the police at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne after the club's victory over Essendon.
The club has confirmed that it will work with the relevant authorities to resolve the alleged incident.
The Swans released a statement on Monday:
"The Sydney Swans can confirm several players were involved in an alleged incident in Melbourne last night," it read.
"The Swans have notified the AFL and relevant authorities and cannot provide further comment at this stage."
Victorian police have also released a statement on the alleged incident:
“Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault in East Melbourne on 17 August,” the statement said.
“The incident occurred at a hotel on Wellington Parade in the early hours of the morning.
“The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”
