Lions coach 'feels sorry' for Swans as likely finals clash looms

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan expressed empathy for the Sydney Swans as a potential finals clash between the two teams looms. The Swans are set to face North Melbourne in a qualifying final at the SCG after their women's team takes on Essendon. The Swans are facing a scandal that has resulted in five players being suspended for the remainder of the season due to breaching club standards.

A police investigation is ongoing into events that occurred at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. Lions coach Dean Cox maintained his distance from any responsibility for the hotel incident. Swans chairman Andrew Pridham stated that the club-imposed penalties could significantly impact the Swans' chances of winning the premiership.

The Swans finished second in the standings and will most likely face the reigning premiers Brisbane in the qualifying final. If they win, they'll face the fourth-placed team, while the third-placed team will play a decimated Sydney side. Fagan believes that the absence of the suspended players might actually benefit the Swans, as it could galvanize the remaining players and make them more difficult to beat.