Backlash erupts as Isaac Heeney claims Sydney Swans’ biggest honour and receives standing ovation from supporters in the room

Isaac Heeney has won the Sydney Swans' Bob Skilton Medal for the third consecutive year, sparking significant internal and external backlash. The controversy centres on awarding the honour to Heeney amid sexual assault allegations involving dancers at an August gathering attended by him and other players. Heeney did not attend Thursday's awards ceremony, instead appearing in a pre-recorded video that received a standing ovation.

Heeney and four other players were suspended for breaching the club's code of conduct following the incident at a Melbourne hotel. Three dancers subsequently made police complaints alleging sexual assault; no charges were laid. The club renamed the award from "Best and Fairest" to "Most Valuable Player". Anti-violence campaigner Sherele Moody and some supporters have criticised the decision, arguing it wrongly separates performance from conduct and sends the wrong message about club values.