Sydney Swans players stood down amid assault allegations

The Sydney Swans have stood down five players, including star Isaac Heeney, amid a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel.

Coach Dean Cox and captain Callum Mills faced a tense media grilling.

The two women at the centre of the alleged incident are preparing to sue the club and the players for damages.

Their lawyer says they are suffering 'severe stress and anxiety'.