Sport: Australian Football Category: Scores & Results

Sydney excludes suspended players from Saturday's qualifying final

AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 2:51 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Sydney excludes suspended players from Saturday's qualifying final

Summary

Sydney coach Dean Cox confirmed on September 3, 2026, that the five players suspended for breaching club standards will not attend Saturday's qualifying final against Brisbane at the SCG. The group, including Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon, remains stood down while an investigation by Victoria Police into an alleged hotel incident continues. Cox stated there has been no discussion regarding their potential return to the team or attendance at the match, as the squad focuses on the upcoming fixture. The coach emphasized that the internal code of conduct sanctions remain separate from the ongoing police matter. While detectives have interviewed individuals in relation to the event, no timeline for the resolution of the investigation has been established. The club continues to manage the balance between supporting the players and addressing the internal breaches.

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By the Numbers

•Sydney suspended Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon for the remainder of the season.
•The players were sanctioned for code of conduct breaches including staying out late and bringing visitors to a team hotel.
•Dean Cox confirmed the suspended players are not expected to attend Saturday's qualifying final against Brisbane.
•Victoria Police are currently investigating an incident involving the players that occurred at a Melbourne hotel.
•Internal team discussions regarding the players' potential return have not taken place.

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