Sydney defender Riley Bice has been revealed as the player who organised and paid for the topless waitresses to come to the Pullman Hotel.
It is the latest development in the scandal that has rocked the AFL since news first broke last Monday.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Riley Bice revealed as player who organised topless waitresses
The Swans have suspended Bice, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey and James Jordon for the rest of the season for breaching club standards.
The penalties were endorsed by the AFL before being handed out last week. They were also independent of the police investigation into an alleged sexual assault that is ongoing.
7NEWS does not suggest that any of the players were involved in any untoward behaviour, but that there are allegations of sexual misconduct.
Channel 7 reporter Tom Morris revealed that Bice was responsible for organising the topless waitresses to come to the hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, but said the senior players involved should have put a stop to it.
“Riley Bice was the Sydney Swans player who organised the topless waitresses to come to the Pullman Hotel,” Morris said on The Agenda Setters.
“He’s the one who paid the topless waitresses to come to the hotel.
“Riley Bice was the single teammate, who was given the responsibility of doing something that has ultimately blown up the club and potentially the careers of four teammates.
“He is not without fault but I think he’s a young player that’s been put in a position by older teammates that should know a lot better.”
In a further development revealed by 7NEWS on Monday night, four Sydney officials, including coach Dean Cox, have given statements to police.
Head of football Leon Cameron, welfare boss Brett Kirk and media manager Tom Chadwick also spoke to police in recent days.
None of the four were involved in the alleged incident.
The players involved in the alleged incident have yet to be formally interviewed by police.
The immediate playing future of the five players have also been plunged into doubt despite all being contracted until at least next year.
But despite reports linking them to exits in this year’s trade period, Channel 7 expert Kane Cornes said it’s too early to say.
“It’s a bit early, isn’t it? We just need to work out what, if any, charges there are,” he said on The Agenda Setters.
“And clearly, you know my views on the football aspect of this, but it’s too early for me to say, until we know what is clear.”
Caroline Wilson added that senior Sydney officials are still “shocked” by the situation.
“I spoke to a lot of senior people at the club today. It’s fair to say they’re still in shock,” she said.
“I mean, this hasn’t ended. There’s a huge relief to have had a game, to finally have a game. And there’ll be no work done. I mean, no training till Thursday. They’re having a few days off.
“Senior coaches and officials are still shocked.”
The five Sydney players were banned from selection in the All-Australian squad, and also haven’t been invited to the Brownlow Medal despite still being eligible for the award.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails