West Coast Eagles captain Liam Baker on importance of players as role models amid Sydney Swans suspensions

West Coast co-captain Liam Baker says the club 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.