AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks about Sydney Swans scandal, Geelong concussion saga and more at launch of 2026 finals series
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has confirmed that five Sydney Swans players suspended for breaching club standards will not be invited to the Brownlow Medal ceremony. Despite the suspension, the players remain eligible to win the award and will be welcomed back to the club once their sanctions conclude.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of professional sports governance, player conduct, and the public accountability of high-profile athletes.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon has addressed the Swans scandal
--> Andrew Dillon speaks to reporters on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the launch of the 2026 Toyota AFL Finals Series. Picture: AFL Photos AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has confirmed the five Sydney players suspended for the remainder of the season – Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice – won't be invited to the Brownlow Medal but remain eligible to win the award.
Last Wednesday, the five were sanctioned by the club for breaching club standards following an incident at the Pullman Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, which is currently being investigated by Victoria Police.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in