‘Devastated’: Dancer speaks after Swans players cleared by police over hotel night

Detailed summary

Isaac Heeney has vowed to repay the Swans after Victoria Police announced the outcome of a months-long inquiry into a night out with players and exotic dancers. Read his statement in full.

Sydney Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and James Jordon, and North Melbourne recruit Nick Blakey have been cleared by Victoria Police over a night of partying with three strippers at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel.

Two sources with knowledge of the investigation, but not authorised to speak publicly, said the force had informed the parties they had not found enough evidence to proceed with charges against the group, who have been under scrutiny for almost three months.

A five-line media statement from Victoria Police, issued after the women were told the outcome, brought an end to the inquiry.

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

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

Heeney immediately issued a statement thanking those who had stood by him and pledging to repay the club.

“The Swans have given me an opportunity to live out a childhood dream and I am fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be.”

“I was always confident of the outcome. It has been a stressful time for myself and those close to me, particularly my partner Alice. I will not be making any further comments from here and will be focusing on my football and playing for the Sydney Swans in 2027.”

The players have maintained their innocence and denied any criminal wrongdoing over the alleged incident that unfolded in a hotel suite in the pre-dawn hours of August 17.

Opening of the article, excerpted from The Age. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.