Sydney Swans players remain eligible for club awards despite suspensions

The Sydney Swans have confirmed that five players suspended following an incident at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne remain eligible for the club’s best and fairest award, the Bob Skilton Medal. Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordan, and Riley Bice were stood down for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season after breaching club standards following a Round 24 victory over Essendon.

While eligible for the award, the five players have requested not to attend the awards ceremony scheduled for October 1 at Sydney Town Hall. The club has agreed to this request to ensure the event is not overshadowed by the recent controversy.

Four of the players remain under investigation by Victoria Police, though Riley Bice is reportedly being treated as a witness only. The players returned to the club this week for exit interviews and to address coaching staff and teammates.