The Swans have confirmed several players linked to an investigation into an alleged incident in Melbourne. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
Former AFLW player Kate McCarthy has criticised AFL media coverage of the police investigation linked to Sydney Swans players for focusing too heavily on "the football consequences".
Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes spoke from "the football point of view" of the issue on Channel Seven's Agenda Setters, saying the players' lack of consideration for their teammates "is what makes [him] so angry".
Cornes's framing of the situation pointed out the Swans' recent grand final losses, particularly for some of their veteran players, including Isaac Heeney.
Former AFL Women's star Kate McCarthy has questioned the tone of some of the media coverage around an ongoing police investigation involving Sydney Swans players.
Four Swans players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Jordon and Riley Bice — are understood to be linked to a Victoria Police investigation regarding an alleged sexual assault at the hotel where the team was staying on Sunday night.
"The exact circumstances are yet to be established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing," Victoria Police said.
"Police spoke to a number of people at the hotel, however no-one has been arrested or formally interviewed at this time."
News of the allegations yesterday sent shock waves through the league, naturally filling the slates of news bulletins and AFL panel shows.
On Channel Seven's Agenda Setters, former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes spoke from "the football point of view" of the issue, saying the players' lack of consideration for their teammates "is what makes [him] so angry".
(Clockwise from top left) James Jordon, Riley Bice, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney. (ABC News/ Getty Images)
"This is where I get really angry from a football point of view," he said.
"When you're two weeks away from a finals series, when Dane Rampe has played in four losing grand finals and he's probably in bed at age 36 or at home right now going, 'This is my last chance, I'm 36, I had a chance to finish second and host another home final, give myself one last chance at winning a premiership'.
"[Jake] Lloyd's played in four losing grand finals, Heeney himself has played in three. … You'd think it would mean a bit more to Isaac Heeney … on the eve of a finals series and put your teammates and your team in jeopardy."
On Fox Footy, Melbourne great Garry Lyon said he did not want to "understate or downplay the seriousness of" the case, insisting he could "only really comment on the one side and that is football-related matters".