Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham and CEO Matthew Pavlich have penned a letter to the club’s community after standing down five star players while police investigate a sexual assault at the Melbourne Hotel the team were staying at on Monday.

Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice are assisting police with investigations but were stood down independently by the Swans.

This masthead is not suggesting the players are guilty of any wrongdoing, just that they are assisting police with inquiries.

As investigators moved to Sydney to continue inquiries on Thursday, the Swans sent a message to the club’s community, including the supporter base as well as everyone within the organisation.

“We are writing to address the events in Melbourne on Monday morning,” the letter read.

“First and foremost, we would like to offer a sincere apology for the distress this incident has caused the wider community, our members, supporters, commercial partners, Academy families, staff members, athletes, their partners and families.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, particularly the women involved. All women deserve to feel safe and respected.

“We understand and share the hurt that many of you will be feeling. To say we are disappointed is an understatement.

“The sanctions and decisive action we have taken demonstrate the seriousness with which we have treated this matter.

“Our focus is on doing what we believe is right and upholding the standards expected of everyone who represents our club.

“We also want to acknowledge the impact this has had on the entire community, including our AFLW players, staff and all people impacted, who have our continued support and care.

“Our AFLW team’s first win on Sunday was a great start to the 2026 season, and it is deeply regrettable that their success has been overshadowed by these events.

“As a club, we are also looking ahead to our first AFLW home game this Sunday, a historic double-header at the SCG.

“This is only the second time in the AFLW team’s history that our athletes have played for premiership points at our spiritual home.

“It’s a significant moment for our athletes who have worked so hard. We encourage our members and fans to support the team and give them the recognition they deserve as we aim to set a record for the biggest Sydney Swans AFLW crowd in Sydney.

“We know that moving forward as a club will take time. Every member of our community will process this in their own way, and we do not take your trust or support for granted.

“We are committed to doing the work required to uphold the values, standards, and culture we expect of everyone at the Sydney Swans.”

The club gathered together at a training session on Wednesday.

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028