SYDNEY midfielder James Rowbottom says he hasn't spoken to his housemate and banned Swans teammate Nick Blakey about the defender's plans beyond 2026.

Last month, the Swans suspended Blakey and teammates Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, and James Jordon for the rest of the season, including finals, for breaching club standards following an alleged incident at a Melbourne hotel that has triggered an ongoing police investigation.

Rival clubs have been aware of Blakey's openness to explore his trade options later this year in the fallout from the scandal, with several expressing strong interest in acquiring him, though any move may hinge on the outcome of police inquiries.

Rowbottom said he hadn't talked to Blakey about what he planned to do next year, preferring instead to offer what support he could to his teammate and friend.

"I haven't spoken to Nick about any sort of details," he said.

"Obviously, it's been a challenging period for him, and I'm just reaching out as a friend. Living with him adds a whole other layer to the situation, so I've reached out as a friend, but no, we haven't spoken about any of those specifics.

"It's challenging, but everyone's going through it together. You've got to sort of separate the person from the problem when you live with someone to try and offer support, and I've been trying to do that.

"Playing footy gives a good release and a sense of normality once you step out there. So, we'll have to do that tomorrow and put our best foot forward."

Rowbottom said it was a challenge for the entire Swans squad to work out how to best support the banned players while still focusing on the finals campaign.

"It is a balancing act," he said.

"As a friend, it's in our best interest to support them the best we can. The club and the players have put a lot of things in place to best support them through this time, along with their family and friends. So, there are a lot of things in place to support them.

"But as I said, the season's still going, and we've got a premiership to chase, so the players who are still playing — that takes our focus."

Asked if the five suspended players had spoken to the playing group, Rowbottom said that while they have stayed away from the club and avoided addressing the team as a whole, their individual check-ins with teammates have been warmly received.

"Individually they have, but not in a group setting," he said.

"They haven't been in the club, but yeah, they've reached out to a few of us, which has been nice."

Probed whether he would be open to the players returning to the club before the end of the season in any capacity, Rowbottom deflected, saying the decision rested with executive leadership.

"Yeah, it's a lot more complex than what I think or believe," he said.

"The club is working through that with them and the relevant parties. Honestly, it's above my pay grade."

Speaking ahead of Sydney's qualifying final against Brisbane on Saturday afternoon, Rowbottom expressed absolute confidence in his side, insisting the squad maintains full belief despite key player absences and negative external noise.

>> Don’t miss a moment of thrilling finals action! Watch Sydney v Brisbane LIVE in the qualifying final from 3.15pm AEST on Seven, 7plus, Kayo Sports and Fox Footy   

"It's still premiership all the way. Absolutely," he said.

"We finished second for a reason ... and we've earned the right to two home finals. We have full belief that we can win tomorrow and earn a home prelim. If people want to write us off, they're more than welcome to do that.

"We still have a lot of belief in the group going out there tomorrow, and full belief that we can get it done."

- with Callum Twomey