The Sydney Swans players included (clockwise from top left) James Jordon, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney. (ABC News\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Five Sydney Swans players who were stood down for the rest of the season over breaches of club standards have issued an apology to their club, fans and the wider community.<\/p>\n
In a statement on behalf of Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Chad Warner, the players said they were "deeply sorry to everyone involved".<\/p>\n
The players were banned by the Swans for breaches of standards and expected behaviour after they stayed out late drinking and brought women back to the team hotel after the game against Essendon on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
"We\u00a0know\u00a0that our behaviour has fallen well short of the standards expected of us and the values of our\u00a0club," they said.<\/p>\n
The five said that they accepted the club's sanction and apologised for the impact on those involved.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, the Swans said their willingness to "torpedo" their AFL season by suspending the five star players proved their commitment to upholding standards at the club.<\/p>\n
In addition to the club sanction, the five Swans players will not be considered for All Australian selection, according to the AFL.<\/p>\n
"Following the decision and appropriate club sanction imposed by the Sydney Swans today in relation to the conduct of five of their players, the AFL has determined those players will not be considered for selection in the 2026 All Australian squad," the league said in a statement.<\/p>\n
"This decision is independent of the ongoing Victoria Police investigation."<\/p>\n
Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich (left) and chairman Andrew Pridham. (Getty Images: Mark Metcalfe)<\/p>\n
Victorian sex crime detectives are expected to travel to New South Wales as they investigate the alleged incident.<\/p>\n
The ABC understands the investigation centres on an allegation of touching without consent at the Pullman Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning.<\/p>\n
It is understood the alleged victim has spoken to police. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Multiple law enforcement sources have told the ABC that four officers from the Victoria Police Sex Crimes Squad will land in Sydney as they expand their investigation.<\/p>\n