West Coast co-captain Liam Baker says the suspension of five Sydney players serves as a reminder to all AFL figures to understand and embrace their status as “leaders to the community”.

Swans players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon and Riley Bice were banned for the rest of the season by Sydney after a club investigation into their actions in the aftermath of last weekend’s win over Essendon in Melbourne.

It comes amid a police investigation into sexual assault allegations at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel.

Detectives from Victoria Police’s Sexual Crimes Squad are expected to soon arrive in Sydney to further their investigations.

The players are yet to be formally interviewed, or charged, but have apologised for their behaviour at the Melbourne hotel. This masthead is not suggesting the players are guilty of any wrongdoing, just that they are assisting police with enquiries.

Speaking on Thursday morning, Baker echoed the sentiment of Eagles AFLW coach Daisy Pearce from earlier in the week to reinforce the importance of being a role model.

“Young men, especially footballers - we’re leaders. When we sign that contract, we’re leaders to the community,” Baker said on Triple M.

“We have to behave a certain way, and so do men in general.

“It’s obviously going to affect AFLW girls, and girls in general, whether it’s them or people they know.

“We need to wrap our arms around them, as we did (on Wednesday) and we will continue to do so.”

It comes after long-time Sydney coach turned Swans executive director of club performance John Longmire said he felt an “incredible deep sadness” following the events of this week.

“The culture of the footy club has taken a big hit and it will take time for everyone to rebuild the trust in the football club,” Longmire said on AFL 360.

“You go from shock and disappointment, maybe a bit of anger in that. You get a bit of those emotions.

“And you also care about people, try and get that balance right, and it’s very tricky.”

• 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service: 1800 211 028

- with AAP