If some of what has been reported is true, I actually think it's somewhat valid. If the players aren't smart enough to realise what they were doing was wildly inappropriate, then the AFL needs to do something to help drive the point home. If anything it's almost a positive the AFL is taking this stance instead of only punishing players who stray publicly.
For me, it's primarily around the violence against women stuff - men everywhere need to 1. Realise that you can't make jokes about gender violence, and 2. You need to call that stuff out to change the culture of "just joking".
I agree that it is 100% not on what they did, to do either in private or in public. Hopefully this does highlight the issue with the players and public and they realise there are victims in the acts they are glorifying. Probably not though. Disappointing overall, but not at all surprising. It happens everywhere in society, not just footy players.
I'm not sure this needed to go further and be brought up in detail all over the media at what was a private function as to details of what the acts were, but if it does help raise awareness for people of the issue, great. I highly doubt it will change anything in society, but I guess every little bit of awareness helps. Respect just doesn't exist any more unfortunately. I'll admit I'm not perfect in this sense either, and happy to be called out by anyone on it.
Agree players should be able to have a life and a bit of fun away from the footy world, however I have no problems with the AFL cracking down on this sort of stuff if it does become public. It's not on from anyone, and it's very disappointing that it's seen as humorous. It's possibly a bit harsh for a non-footy act, but can see why the fines/suspensions were given in this case and have no issues with them. Still think it was handled poorly, as people are not really understanding as to why they were fined/suspended, should have been a great time to really make it clear this stuff is just not on.