Published: 07:41 BST, 4 September 2026 | Updated: 08:03 BST, 4 September 2026
Sydney Swans midfielder James Rowbottom has declined to comment on the future of his suspended teammates amid the club crisis, saying it is 'above my pay grade'.
Five Swans players have been suspended for the rest of the season after the club found they had breached its behavioural standards following a late-night gathering at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel in August.
When questioned if they should return to the club, Rowbottom responded, 'It's a lot more complex than what I think or believe.'
'The club is working through that with them and the relevant party. Honestly, it's above my pay grade.'
At the same time, Rowbottom revealed he is separating 'the person from the problem' while offering support to his housemate Nick Blakey.
Blakey, 26, is reportedly considering requesting a trade during the October exchange period following a deterioration in his relationship with Sydney. He was one of the five players suspended after the hotel gathering.
Blakey reportedly wants to leave the Swans after his relationship with the club deteriorated
James Rowbottom has revealed how he is supporting close friend and housemate Nick Blakey
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice were also stood down, ruling them out of Sydney's finals campaign.
The club sanctions are separate from a Victoria Police investigation into allegations of sexual assault inside a hotel room.
Sources have claimed Blakey is reportedly angry about Sydney's handling of the fallout, adding the player and club have become increasingly frustrated with each other.
Blakey, Heeney, Warner and Jordon were formally interviewed by detectives this week.
Bice has reportedly been cleared of criminal wrongdoing and is being treated as a possible witness. No charges have been laid against any of the players.
Rowbottom lives with Blakey but said the pair had not discussed the reported trade request or the details of the police investigation.
