The Saints, whose pre-season has been dogged by the infamous nude photo scandal, have confirmed that Dawson, Rhys Stanley, Jack Steven and Paul Cahill misused prescription medication, drank alcohol and left the team hotel against a player established policy while on the week-long training camp.
They have been suspended from the club for six weeks and fined a maximum $5000 each after meeting with the Saints' leadership group on Monday.
In a series of sanctions signed-off by coach Ross Lyon and chief executive Michael Nettlefold, the players will train with VFL affiliate Sandringham and be required to find full-time employment for the duration of their suspensions.
They will also undertake specified counselling and participate in relevant community programs in the City of Frankston area.
Dawson, who played 20 of his 55 career games last season, is the most senior and established of the four Saints. The 24-year-old was also caught up in the nude photo saga.
Steven has played just nine career games in three seasons, but the utility has shown flashes of potential, kicking three goals in a quarter against Geelong in round 13 last season.
Stanley, 20, was given his chance in 2010 as Nick Riewoldt recovered from a hamstring injury, but the raw forward is yet to establish himself in the Saints' line-up.
Cahill, also a key forward, is yet to debut after two seasons.
The Saints' training camp in New Zealand was a chance for the club to escape the spotlight after the nude photo saga.
Skipper Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Gilbert and Dawson were all involved in a highly publicised controversy involving the publication of lewd photographs on social networking site Facebook.
The club last week settled the dispute with the teenage girl who published the photographs.
The Saints defended their culture in the wake of the nude photo scandal.
"We couldn't be more proud of the St Kilda Football Club, our playing and coaching group and what they stand for, their integrity and what they have achieved in recent years," Nettlefold said earlier in January.
The Saints launch their NAB Cup campaign against Essendon and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on February 18.
