Sydney midfielder James Rowbottom has to “separate the person from the problem” in trying to support suspended teammate Nick Blakey amid a club crisis and finals campaign.
Blakey is one of five Swans players stood down for the remainder of the season for breaching the club’s behavioural standards in a post-AFL match hotel party in August.
Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice have also been suspended from Sydney’s finals campaign.
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As the club mulls a call on the group’s playing future, there are reports Blakey is searching for a trade following a deterioration in his relationship with the Swans.
Swans midfielder Rowbottom says he has only spoken to close friend, and house mate, Blakey about his welfare.
“I haven’t spoken to Nick about any sort of details (about a trade),” Rowbottom said on Friday.
“It’s been a challenging period for him, and I’m just sort of reaching out as a friend.
“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.
“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.”
James Rowbottom (centre) says he’s trying to split football and his friendship with Nick Blakey. Credit: AAP
The player suspensions are separate to a police investigation into sexual assault allegations and the events at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel after the Round 23 game against Essendon.
No charges have been laid and there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the five suspended players.
Rowbottom wouldn’t be drawn when asked if he was open to the five players returning to the club before the end of the season.
The group won’t be at the SCG for the club’s qualifying final against Brisbane on Saturday, but have individually spoken to teammates in the lead-up to the clash.
“It’s a lot more complex than what I think or believe,” Rowbottom said.
“The club is working through that with them and the relevant party. Honestly, it’s above my pay grade.”
Heeney and Warner’s absence has meant Rowbottom has taken on the bulk of the midfield work with Errol Gulden and Jai Serong.
Rowbottom had returned to the side for the Round 24 clash against North Melbourne after missing two weeks with a broken hand.
“For me, personally, I just do what the team needs and I have done that for the last eight years or so,” the 25-year-old said.
“My role’s been ever-changing this year. I’ve played a lot of half-forward, a lot of midfield, a bit of wing.
“Football’s ever-changing, and I’m happy to take it as it comes.”
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