Coach Colin O'Riordan and Swans AFLW captain Lucy McEvoy speak to the media. (Getty Images: Darrian Traynor)
Sydney Swans AFLW captain Lucy McEvoy has said her players have had "open conversations" in the wake of the scandal that has engulfed her club and led to five men's players being suspended for the rest of the season.
McEvoy, along with AFLW coach Colin O'Riordan, spoke to the media on Friday afternoon, saying the women's program supports the sanctions imposed on Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon.
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Lucy McEvoy is asked if the AFLW players have discussed whether they want the five suspended players to return to the club.
She tells the media that conversation has not happened but, when the time comes, the AFLW players would like to be part of the discussion.
Here is more from Lucy McEvoy, speaking about the wider issue at the heart of this week's scandal.
"There's no doubt, I think, a lot of women in the community are all feeling the same.
"It's obviously an issue within the community that needs to be addressed, and I think this week it has been.
"I applaud the club in the way they have handled it, and respected us as a women's program.
"I think it's an important moment for all women to stand together and understand that all women deserve respect."
Those five players will miss the remainder of the AFL season following club-imposed suspensions for breaking team standards in Melbourne earlier this week.
Victoria Police are investigating a sexual assault allegation, where it is alleged one player touched a woman without her consent. No charges have been laid, and no-one has been formally interviewed.
Speaking on Friday, McEvoy said the AFLW program supported the club-imposed suspensions to the five men's players, and said their actions did not reflect the Swans as a club.
"On behalf of the playing group, we also support the club in the sanctions that were handed down," McEvoy said.
