Sunday 4 October 2026
Afternoon EditionRSS
ZOTPAPER

News without the noise

ZOTPAPER
AustraliaDeveloping

Heeney wins third straight Bob Skilton Medal as suspended Swans dominate top 10

Club chairman defends eligibility of players involved in Pullman Hotel scandal amid ongoing police investigation

By LineZotpaper
Published
Updated
Read Time2 min
Sources8 outlets
Suspended Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney has won the Bob Skilton Medal for the third consecutive year, delivering a video message to the club's best and fairest ceremony on Thursday night. Heeney was one of five players absent from the event after being suspended for breaching behavioural standards in August, following an incident at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel after round 23. Club chairman Andrew Pridham defended the decision not to rule the suspended players ineligible for the award, calling it 'inappropriate and in excess of the sanction'.

Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice were suspended until the end of the 2026 season for their involvement in a night of partying after the club's win over Essendon on August 16. Despite the suspension, Warner, Blakey and Jordon all finished in the top 10 in voting for the medal on Thursday night.

A separate police investigation is ongoing into allegations of sexual assault in a hotel room where all five players were present. Bice was cleared of any criminal conduct by Victoria Police last month, while the remaining four players remain persons of interest. The players have maintained their innocence and denied any criminal wrongdoing.

Heeney did not attend the ceremony at Sydney's Town Hall alongside the other suspended players, but sent a video message to the club acknowledging his award.

§

Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The Swans' handling of serious allegations while still honouring suspended players with the club's highest individual award raises questions about the AFL's culture and disciplinary processes.
  • The ongoing police investigation means the situation remains unresolved, with potential legal and reputational consequences for the club and players.
  • The case highlights the tension between the presumption of innocence and club sanction policies.

Background

The Pullman Hotel scandal erupted after the Swans' round 23 match in Melbourne. The club immediately suspended the five players involved, and an internal investigation led to season-ending suspensions. The Victorian Police investigation into sexual assault allegations is separate from the club's internal sanctions.

Key Perspectives

Club leadership (Andrew Pridham): The chairman argued that barring the players from the best and fairest would have been excessive, as the club had already issued its own sanctions. He emphasised the presumption of innocence. Critics and observers: There are concerns that allowing suspended players to win a club award, especially while under police investigation, sends a mixed message about accountability. Alleged victims and their representatives: Reports indicate the alleged victims are suffering trauma disorders, and the ongoing investigation continues.

What to Watch

  • Outcome of Victoria Police's investigation into the four players still under scrutiny.
  • Any AFL response or commentary on the Swans' handling of the situation.
  • Whether the suspended players face any further sanctions or restrictions.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

How we workReport an errorSubscribe