A secret audio recording seized by Victoria Police could become important evidence in the investigation into alleged sexual assaults involving Sydney Swans players at a Melbourne hotel.
The recording is understood to contain detailed recollections of events surrounding a gathering at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne in the early hours of August 17, after the Swans’ victory over Essendon.
Reports in Australia said the material was recorded at a Melbourne home in the days after the alleged incident and was later obtained by detectives. It is said to include accounts from people who were inside the hotel room, as well as recollections of events in the hotel lobby.
Three women have reported alleged sexual assaults to police. Four Swans players – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey – have since spoken to detectives from Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Squad.
Riley Bice, the fifth player stood down by the club, is understood not to be under investigation in relation to the sexual assault allegations and is being treated as a witness. Former Swans player Taylor Adams and another man are also understood to have been identified as witnesses to events at the hotel.
Police have said they believe they have identified everyone who was present in the room. No arrests have been made and no charges have been laid.
The Sydney Swans stood down all five players for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season after finding they had breached club standards by drinking and bringing women to the hotel. The club has stressed that its disciplinary action is separate from the police inquiry.
Victoria Police has described the investigation as active and ongoing and said it is unlikely to provide further details for about eight weeks. The exact circumstances surrounding the allegations have not yet been established.
