Breaking: Sydney Swans players will not face charges over sex assault investigation - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

(Clockwise from top left) Sydney Swans players James Jordon, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney will not face criminal charges. (ABC News/Getty Images)

Four Sydney Swans players involved in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault will not face charges.

Victoria Police said a "thorough investigation" had concluded there was "insufficient evidence".

Player Isaac Heeney welcomed the news, saying the past three months had been "incredibly difficult" for his family.

Sydney Swans players embroiled in a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault in a Melbourne hotel will not face criminal charges.

Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Nick Blakey had been under a police investigation over the alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in late August.

Several adult entertainers are understood to have joined players at the hotel after being hired in the hours after the Swans' win against Essendon on August 17.

The ABC understands the investigation centred on a player allegedly touching one of the women without her consent.

The police investigation centred on events at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne in August. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica )

Multiple police sources previously told the ABC they understood an arrangement was reached in the hotel room for players to pay extra to take drugs, believed to be cocaine, from the women's breasts and buttocks.

It is unclear how many players, or which players, had allegedly participated.

It is understood a woman was seen leaving the hotel room in a distressed state in the early hours of the morning, with a Triple Zero (000) call made to police soon after.

This morning, Victoria Police confirmed no charges would be laid over the incident.

"Following a thorough investigation and based on legal advice, Victoria Police will not proceed with criminal charges due to insufficient evidence," a police spokesperson said.

Victoria Police said due to an "ongoing civil matter", no further comment would be made.

The players were stood down by the Sydney Swans in the days after the incident, for staying out late drinking and inviting women back to the team hotel in breach of club standards.

Fellow Swans player Riley Bice, who was also stood down for breaching club standards, was earlier cleared in the investigation.

Lawyers representing one of the woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted said she was "devastated" by the decision.

Slater and Gordon lawyer Jackson Pannam said what had occurred had a "profound impact" on her.

"She reported the incident immediately, provides a formal statement and cooperated fully with the investigation," he said.

"She has shown enormous courage in coming forward."

Victoria Police said a thorough investigation into the incident concluded there was insufficient evidence to lay charges. (ABC News)

Mr Pannam confirmed the woman would proceed with a civil case, which must be proved on a "balance of probabilities" rather than the higher criminal standard of "beyond reasonable doubt".

"The absence of criminal charges does not prevent a civil claim from proceeding," Mr Pannam said.

"Slater and Gordon Lawyers is continuing to prepare a civil claim against the relevant parties and will continue to support our client through this extremely difficult time."

In a statement, Heeney welcomed the police announcement.

"The past three months have been incredibly difficult for my family, Steffie and those close to me," Heeney said.

"Watching my family carry the weight of this has been heartbreaking.

"To my family and friends, your love and loyalty has meant more than words can do justice.

Swans player Isaac Heeney was among those spoken to by police during the investigation. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)

"To those that have never doubted me and stood by my side in solidarity — thank you. I know it has not been easy in the face of such intense public scrutiny. I will never forget your support.

"To the entire Sydney Swans Club — my teammates, coaches, the board, our sponsors, and our loyal members and fans — thank you for keeping faith in me.

"The Swans have given me an opportunity to live out a childhood dream and I am fully focused on repaying that faith by being the best person and player I can be."