Arsonists target South Melbourne pub linked to Collingwood star Dane Swan
A South Melbourne hotel with ties to AFL identity Dane Swan has been deliberately targeted by arsonists, in the latest incident to plague the troubled venue's history.
Three small fires were ignited inside the Albion Hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning after offenders forced entry to the building just after 3am.
Police have deemed the attack suspicious, with the perpetrators fleeing north along Northumberland Street in a vehicle before authorities arrived. No patrons or staff were inside at the time.
"Investigations are ongoing into the cause and circumstances of the fires, which are being treated as suspicious," a police spokesperson said.
The Albion — a rooftop bar and nightclub — is no stranger to fire. The venue was gutted by a blaze in 2015, just over a week before it was set to reopen following extensive renovations. Builder Andrew McMahon was subsequently jailed after pleading guilty to arson charges, having admitted to torching the pub amid panic over incomplete works. He was sentenced to five years' imprisonment.
The hotel has changed hands more than once since then. Most recently, it was acquired in February 2025 by nightclub and entertainment operator District 14, following a period of ownership by a hospitality company linked to former Collingwood premiership player Swan.
Police remain at the scene and investigations are continuing.
Jonathan Jackson, 16th April 2026
