AFL star Nick Blakey spotted in Perth after hotel scandal

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 08:01 · Archive

Nick Blakey, one of five Sydney Swans players suspended over allegations of sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel, has been spotted in Perth after being traded to North Melbourne.

Nick Blakey, a 26-year-old former Sydney Swans player, was spotted at a supermarket in Perth's western suburbs on Sunday, posing for a photo with a fan at Mosman Park Coles.

Blakey is one of five Sydney Swans players—alongside Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice—suspended for the remainder of the 2026 AFL season following an incident on 17 August at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. Hired dancers claim the players sexually assaulted them, but no charges have been laid and the players maintain their innocence. Victoria Police confirmed on Friday that the investigation remains ongoing.

Blakey has been traded to North Melbourne on a reported eight-year deal believed to be worth around £11 million, having left Sydney with five years remaining on his contract. He is the only member of the group to leave the Swans. In his first public comments since his suspension, Blakey apologised, saying he was 'sorry for the events that led up to my exit from Sydney' and acknowledging he must 'win back the trust of the broader community, football and otherwise'.

How it is being reported

• The ‘Pullman Five’: Nick Blakey spotted in Perth after Pullman Hotel scandal and amid sexual assault probeOne of the AFL stars involved in the Sydney Swans hotel scandal has been seen in Perth as police continue to investigate the Pullman Hotel incident.Perth Now · 19 Oct, 07:49
• The ‘Pullman Five’: Nick Blakey spotted in Perth after Pullman Hotel scandal and amid sexual assault probeOne of the AFL stars involved in the Sydney Swans hotel scandal has been seen in Perth as police continue to investigate the Pullman Hotel incident.The West Australian · 19 Oct, 07:49

In this story: Nick Blakey · Sydney Swans · North Melbourne · Pullman Hotel · East Melbourne · Perth · Isaac Heeney · Chad Warner

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