The Sydney Swans say the players allegedly connected to an incident at a Melbourne hotel "are in serious breach of expected club behaviour and standards".
The ABC understands four players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice — are linked to an investigation into an alleged assault at the Pullman Hotel in east Melbourne in the early hours of yesterday morning.
It is not suggested that any of the four players are being accused of sexual assault.
Victoria Police is investigating, stating this morning that "the exact circumstances are yet to be established and … no one has been arrested or formally interviewed at this time".
The club said it interviewed all the players linked to the incident in Melbourne and concluded "firm action" should be taken relating to the breaching of club standards.
"The club also acknowledges that these serious allegations impact others and their wellbeing must be paramount," a statement read.
"The Sydney Swans condemn all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women. Any conduct that causes offence or harm to others is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations. All women deserve to be respected and feel safe.
"We also want to acknowledge that the care and welfare of our AFLW athletes and staff is of the utmost importance to us as a club.
"They have been and will continue to be offered the support they require, and we acknowledge the impact these allegations have on our female athletes, staff members and the wider community."
Heeney, Warner, Bice and Jordon did not appear at Swans HQ with the rest of their team today and were interviewed by the club off-site with lawyers present.
The Swans board will meet tonight to agree on club-imposed sanctions and penalties.
"Any further sanctions or decisions regarding the outcome of the police investigation would take place after that process is completed," the statement read.
"During this time, we will provide the appropriate support to the players involved in the incident, along with their partners and families.
"The Sydney Swans hold all players and staff at the club to high standards of behaviour and personal conduct. Representing this club carries significant responsibilities both on and off the field, and we expect those standards to be upheld at all times.
"Our focus remains on cooperating fully with the AFL and authorities, maintaining the integrity of the process, and upholding the high standards expected of everyone who represents this club."
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said the allegations around the Swans were "deeply concerning", stressing that, regardless of the outcome of the police investigation, the incident raised wider concerns around the game.
"The conduct and serious allegations regarding Sydney Swans players are deeply concerning," he said in a statement.
"While the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport.
"The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.
"It is important that the police process is allowed to run its course."
Dillon alluded to discussions around the potential sanctions or distractions for the Swans and the potential impact that may have on the second-placed club heading into the AFL finals.
"Sexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season," he said ahead of the team's final home-and-away game on Sunday.
"Our first question should not be what this means for a football club. It should be whether our actions match the standards we stand for and the community expects of us.
"As a sport, and as an industry, we are clear about the standards we expect and the values we stand for and the need to uphold them.
"Being clear about our standards also means being prepared to act when those standards are not met.
"Notwithstanding the ongoing police investigation, the AFL and the Sydney Swans will consider the broader conduct of the players as more information comes to light."
