VideoSydney Swans midfielder James Rowbottom addresses the situation with housemate and banned teammate Nick Blakey amid reports of his potential departure from the club.

The mystery audio recording that details some of the events that occurred at the Pullman Hotel — on the night of the alleged Sydney Swans scandal — is now in the hands of Victoria Police.

The Sydney Swans have been aware of the audio for some time now, and the AFL also has knowledge of the recording.

In fact, AFL boss Andrew Dillon was asked about the tape a fortnight ago, only to dance around the question.

“If there is a tape that’s relevant to the police investigation, it should be forwarded on to the police,” Dillon simply said.

The recording reportedly has “detailed recollections from people who were inside the hotel room”, and also “recollections” of what happened in the foyer when Dean Cox spoke to an alleged victim.

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On August 22, veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson said the AFL Integrity Unit and the Sydney Swans had been alerted to the secret recording.

“The Sydney Swans have been contacted by a connection to one of the three women who were involved in these allegations ... claiming to have audio of the women speaking together after they returned home from the Pullman Hotel,” Wilson said last month.

“(It is allegedly) a conversation about where they might take this, what they might report to police, and where this might end for them.”

It has now been reported that police seized the audio from a home in Melbourne.

In the last statement issued by police, they revealed thay had spoken to Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon about the allegations, while the fifth player in the room, Riley Bice, was now being terated as a witeness.

No charges have been laid by police and 7NEWS is not suggesting any criminal wrongdoing by any of the players interviewed.

The Police statement said: “Police now believe they have now identified all parties who were in the room at the time of the alleged incident and are not looking for anyone further.”

Police also said there might not be a further update for around eight weeks.

Sydney Swans have suspended all five players for the rest of the season for breaching club standards and are insisting the ban will remain in place, even for the witness, Bice.

Meanwhile, Blakey has become disgruntled with his treatment by the club and reportedly wants to be traded.

Swans star James Rowbottom said during the week it had “been a challenging period” for Blakey, who is also his housemate.

“Living with him is another layer to the situation, and so I’ve reached out as a friend, but no, we haven’t spoken about any of those sort of specifics,” Rowbottom said.

“You’ve got to sort of separate the person from the problem when you live with someone to try and offer support. I’ve been trying to do that.”

Sydney released a statement during the week, again apologising for the distress the incident as caused.

“The wellbeing of those impacted remains of paramount importance,” they said.

“We note that no charges have been laid and that police have indicated the process may take some time to run its course.

“As it remains a police investigation, it is not appropriate to comment further.

“The club again extends its sincere apologies to our members and fans, sponsors and the wider community, along with all of our staff and players across both the women’s and men’s programs, for the distress and disappointment this matter has caused.” 

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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