Chris Fagan says he sees the Sydney scandal as a "head-scratcher". (Getty Images: James Wiltshire/AFL Photos)
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan describes the Sydney Swans scandal as a "head-scratcher".
The Lions are likely to play the Swans in a qualifying final at the SCG.
The Sydney men's team play North Melbourne on Sunday after the women's team play Essendon.
Embattled Sydney will brace for further fallout from the scandal that has rocked the AFL club, while finalising preparations for a dead rubber against North Melbourne on Sunday.
On Thursday, five players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon — were suspended for the rest of the season for "breaching club standards".
Separately, a police investigation continues into the events at East Melbourne's Pullman Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning.
On Friday, coach Dean Cox distanced himself from any blame for the events at the hotel, while captain Callum Mills said "we believe that the five players have let us down".
Swans chairman Andrew Pridham on Wednesday said the club-imposed sanctions would "torpedo" the second-placed Swans' premiership hopes.
Swans coach Dean Cox (left) and captain Callum Mills spoke to reporters on Friday. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
In their SCG qualifying final, Sydney will most likely face reigning premiers Brisbane, who all but locked in third place with Friday night's 63-point win over Collingwood, unless Hawthorn leapfrog them on percentage with a big win over West Coast.
The team that finishes fourth plays runaway minor premiers Fremantle while third faces a decimated and embattled Sydney.
"I don't mind either or, to be honest with you," Lions coach Chris Fagan said after Friday night's match.
"And I'm sort of thinking that Sydney have lost some players obviously due to the unfortunate thing that happened last week. But in some ways that can galvanise a club too.
"The guys that do get to play just might go that much harder and be that much more difficult to beat.