Victoria Police investigate second secret recording in Swans probe
A second secret audio recording exceeding 20 minutes in length has emerged in the ongoing Victoria Police investigation into an alleged sexual assault inside a Sydney Swans hotel room on August 17, 2026, according to Code Sports. The investigation centers on events at the Pullman East Melbourne following the club’s round-23 match against Essendon.
Second Secret Recording Handed to Victoria Police
The newly surfaced 20-minute recording was voluntarily handed over to investigators, featuring an account from one of the adult entertainers regarding activities inside the team hotel room. According to Code Sports, neither the Sydney Swans nor the AFL were aware the recording existed prior to defence lawyers receiving copies. This file follows an earlier covert recording captured by an associate of one of the performers in the hours immediately following the alleged incident, which police obtained via warrant.
Alleged Victims Report Severe Trauma And Potential Legal Action
Medical assessments reveal that two of the three women involved are suffering from severe trauma-related conditions. The Age reported that clinical evaluations document struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder, with one medical report exceeding 40 pages. A source connected to the women stated that they “have been pushed over the edge by the incident and its aftermath.” Legal representation has been secured to prepare potential civil action against the players involved.
Player Status And Club Sanctions Amid Ongoing Police Inquiries
Five Sydney Swans players—Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice—were suspended for the remainder of the 2026 season for breaching club behavioural standards by drinking, staying out late, and inviting guests back to the team accommodation. While Victoria Police cleared Bice of criminal conduct last month, Warner, Blakey, Jordon, and Heeney remain persons of interest in the ongoing sexual assault investigation. No criminal charges have been filed against any player.
Despite his suspension and absence from club facilities, Isaac Heeney won the Bob Skilton Medal as the Swans’ best and fairest player for the third consecutive year, finishing with 431 votes. Club chairman Andrew Pridham defended the award during the ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall, stating that ruling the suspended players ineligible would have been “inappropriate and in excess of the sanction,” as reported by WAtoday. In a pre-recorded video message played at the event, Heeney stated he looked forward to returning for the 2027 season.
Prosecution Outlook And Next Legal Steps
Victoria Police are expected to hand over a brief of evidence to the Victorian Director of Public Prosecutions by the end of October. According to Fox Sports, legal and AFL circles suggest that criminal charges may prove difficult to prosecute following a review of statements provided by the players under scrutiny. Investigators have yet to determine whether formal charges will be laid.
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