‘Deeply remorseful’: What banned Swans said to teammates they let down
Updated . First published at
Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has inside information on what took place behind closed doors at Sydney on Wednesday, as the five suspended players returned to the club for the first time since August.
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice made their way back into Swans headquarters, 37 days after breaching club protocols at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne, following their round 23 win over Essendon.
Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Nick Blakey arrive at Swans HQ. Sitthixay Ditthavong
Separately, three women alleged sexual assault took place during the night. It is the focus of an active Victoria Police investigation, though Bice has been cleared of wrongdoing and is being treated as a potential witness.
Sydney suspended all five players for the remainder of the season, self-admittedly torpedoing their finals hopes.
Nine.com.au is not suggesting the players were suspended for committing acts of sexual assault, only that they breached club protocols. Police have laid no charges.
The Swans fell agonisingly short of making this year’s grand final, ultimately blowing a five-goal lead to Fremantle in last Friday’s prelim.
They have spent the week closing the book on their season, including holding exit meetings with players, leading to the return of the five players on Wednesday.
The Pullman Five, as they have been referred to, addressed the entire football club, including both men's and women's playing groups and wider staff.
Watson reports that they each spoke individually, taking turns to have their say.
Asked if they denied any wrongdoing, the Essendon premiership great said they did make that point clear.
“Yes. This was one point that they did want to make and that was that they deny any illegal actions," Watson told SEN on Thursday morning.
"They deny any illegal actions."
Despite that, the players reportedly took turns apologising to the wider club for throwing their season into chaos.
“They were deeply remorseful. They showed genuine deep regret as to what had happened, how it had transpired and the effect that it had had on the football club," Watson said.
“That wasn't lost on them at all, how broad reaching this was and we're not just talking about the players involved here, we're talking about all aspects of the football club and the fans, but not just the fans, but also the wider football community.
“They have a great comprehension of that according to this person and the way they spoke.
"It was the first in-person re-engagement with the club that they have had. The word ‘awkward’ wasn't used, but it wasn't easy for anybody. That's how it was described to me.
Isaac Heeney at Swans HQ. Nine
“It certainly wasn't easy for the five players, they didn't waltz in there with big smiles on their face, that type of thing. It’s been described as a good first step, so there's still work to be done here.”
Watson believes the Swans have made it clear to the five players that they are wanted at the club in 2027.
“They made it very clear that they wanted the players back on the field. They wanted that group of players back on the field. And that everyone needs to move forward together," he said.
“That's what they're saying now. We all need to move forward together. That was the expression that was used and they need to repair the damage. But obviously that will take time.”
Blakey has reportedly expressed interest in a trade out of the Swans due to a falling out with the club, while the other four have suggested they wish to return.
Given the police investigation likely won't conclude until after October's trade period, the AFL has made it clear any trade is on the buyer to accept any potential risks of further punishments.
“I think from an AFL point of view, it would be it’s business as usual,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon told Nine newspapers.
“So, ultimately, it will be for the Swans, and I don’t know where the Swans are at with the players … If there’s a club that was looking to acquire one of those players or any others, you do your due diligence, and that’s where that there will be uncertainty for the foreseeable future while there’s a police investigation still going.
“Then it’s you do your due diligence, and you understand there’s obviously risks that come. There’s risk with them staying with the Swans, obviously, and there’s risk if they leave.”
If all five remain at Sydney in 2027, their next return to the club will likely be for pre-season training in November.
