Suspended Sydney star Isaac Heeney has released a video to fans, after his one-match ban for striking St Kilda’s Jimmy Webster was upheld at the AFL appeals board on Thursday night.
The video, which was posted to Sydney’s social media on Thursday night after the marathon appeals board meeting, featured an evidentially disappointed Heeney thanking the wider AFL community for their support as he navigated his suspension.
It came after confirmation that Heeney’s appeal to overturn his ban was dismissed.
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The ban means Heeney is ineligible to win this year’s Brownlow Medal.
Isaac Heeney’s apology video. Sydney Swans
In the second hearing of the week for Sydney, Swans lawyer Duncan Miller attempted to call out the AFL tribunal for “closing its ears” after identifying Heeney’s swinging arm to Webster’s face, automatically assuming negative intention.
However, the appeals board did not deem that a strong argument, dismissing Heeney after over two hours.
Heeney later responded in a video that has received mixed reactions from AFL fans.
“Hey guys, obviously extremely disappointed with that result. Pretty shattering, to be honest,” Heeney said in the Swans’ video posted on Thursday night.
“But I just wanted to jump on here and give a heartfelt thank you.
“Obviously the show of support from the club here, from the top down, being Tom Harley (Swans CEO), Horse (coach John Longmire) and Leon (Cameron, EGM of football) and our lawyer Duncan (Miller), thank you guys very much.
“Also wanted to jump on and say thank you for the support from the fans, the members and the wider community, it’s been truly incredible.”
Heeney alluded to his disappointment to be officially ruled out of the Brownlow Medal race, but hinted at another piece of silverware he has his eyes firmly on.
“I wanted to also say that I can guarantee one thing … when I’m back, I’ll make sure I do this club proud, the supporters proud, my family proud,” he said.
“It starts this weekend. Obviously won’t be there on the footy field, but I’ll be there to support the boys and the coaching staff and the staff at the club here.
Isaac Heeney of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal in round 13. Getty
“I want to flow on from that and make sure this year is a special one.”
Despite the heartfelt nature of the message, some fans were left scratching their heads at the intention.
Many fans were left confused by the extensive and formal nature of the statement, particularly given the fact Heeney is only slated to miss one game.
“He’s not dying,” one fan wrote in response to the video posted on X.
Isaac Heeney of the Swans reacts following their loss to St Kilda. via Getty Images
“You’d think Heeney was going to prison,” another wrote.
“He’s only missing a week. I don’t think this is really necessary,” another added.
Heeney will miss the Swans clash against North Melbourne at the SCG on Sunday.