The Sydney Swans are expected to soon announce punishments for AFL players accused in a “serious breach” of club standards related to an alleged hotel incident.

The Swans board met on Tuesday night to decide on sanctions and penalties after concluding its own interviews with “all the players involved”.

It follows a woman complaining to police about an alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne early on Monday.

The Swans stayed at the hotel on Sunday night after their win over Essendon at the MCG. It guaranteed them second spot on the ladder at the AFL season’s end, with one game left before the finals.

Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, James Jordon and Riley Bice have been widely named in media reports as the players involved in the inquiry. None has been publicly been accused of wrongdoing.

As Victoria Police continue to investigate, the Swans have vowed to take their own action.

Given the seriousness of the crisis and the strongly worded club media release, suspensions appear inevitable.

“We respect there is an ongoing investigation by Victoria Police and any actions we take are independent of this,” the Swans said.

“The club believes the players are in serious breach of expected club behaviour and standards, and it is appropriate to take firm action and highlight that any sanction we impose relates solely to those breaches.

“The club also acknowledges that these serious allegations impact others and their wellbeing must be paramount.”

The club said any further sanctions or decisions to do with the outcome of the police investigation would come after that process was completed.

“The Sydney Swans condemn all forms of abuse and disrespectful behaviour towards women,” the statement said.

“Any conduct that causes offence or harm to others is unacceptable and falls well short of our expectations. All women deserve to be respected and feel safe.”

Earlier on Tuesday, AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon released a statement calling for more respect around the sexual assault allegations. Dillon said the allegations were “deeply concerning”.

“While the matter remains under police investigation, it raises broader issues for our game and our responsibilities as a sport,” he said.

“The woman who made the report to police is entitled to privacy and care, and that should be respected.”

Dillon took aim at widespread commentary about what the allegations would mean for the Swans, who are guaranteed second spot on the end-of-season ladder and two home finals.

“Sexual assault allegations are serious, regardless of who is involved, what time of year it is, or what they may mean for a season,” he said.

“Our first question should not be what this means for a football club. It should be whether our actions match the standards we stand for and the community expects of us.

“As a sport, and as an industry, we are clear about the standards we expect and the values we stand for and the need to uphold them.

“Being clear about our standards also means being prepared to act when those standards are not met.”

The investigation emerged after Victoria Police said on Monday they had been called to the Pullman Hotel, near the MCG, and were investigating a report of sexual assault from early that morning.

1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

-with AAP