Six Giants banned over end-of-season party scandal as AFL CEO Andrew Dillon decries ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

In a move not seen since the Essendon supplements saga the AFL has banned several players for multiple matches as the fallout from GWS’ end-of-season party came to bear on Thursday afternoon.

Defender Josh Fahey headlined the sanctions copping a four-match ban while WA product Joe Fonti, Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas and the recently delisted Cooper Hamilton were all handed two-match suspensions.

Six players, Lachie Whitfield, Toby Greene, Connor Idun, Tom Green, Sam Taylor and Lachie Keeffe were all handed $5,000 fines as was new Magpie Harry Perryman.

It had earlier been reported Greene was facing up to $20,000 in penalties.

GWS and the league looked into the function, held in the week after the club’s season ended with a straight-sets finals exit.

Liquor and Gaming NSW told 7NEWS it is investigating the incident, but won’t make any further comment.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon spoke to the media on Thursday revealing the shocking acts committed by Giants players.

“Player Josh Fahey dressed as a former NRL player (Jarryd Hayne) and Jake Riccardi as a taxi driver, in the course of a skit Fahey simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll,” he said.

“Toby McMullen and Cooper Hamilton simulated the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in costume.

“Harvey Thomas dressed as a particular sportsperson (NBA player Josh Giddey) and Joe Fonti as a girl and acted inappropriately, Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield enacted a scene from Django Unchained characterising slavery.

“Additionally GWS senior leadership Toby Greene, Harry Perryman, Tom Green, Lachie Keefe and Sam Taylor failed to display appropriate levels of leadership in failing to stop the acts continuing.”

Greene released a statement saying he expressed embarrassment over his inaction.

“Firstly, I would like to apologise for the events that occurred. As a leader of the club and captain of the team, I am embarrassed that we are in this situation and that I failed to uphold my responsibilities as a leader to prevent it. I am disappointed I did not adequately process the situation, and intervene, in the moment,” he said.

“Some of the costumes and skits that took place are unbecoming and contrary to the values of our club and standards we expect of the playing group. I understand that as leaders we need to learn from this situation and ensure it never happens again.”

In addition to the sanctions, Dillon revealed the club will be implementing education sessions.

“The clubs will provide further education to the entire playing group in addition to the regular education around violence against women and racial vilification,” he said.

Dillon issued a public apology for the behaviour and said what transpired is never acceptable.

“The behaviour and disrespect shown do not uphold any of the values of the AFL or the Giants and is not acceptable in any setting at any time,” he said.

“There’s nothing funny or clever about these actions, I also recognise this is not the normal behaviour of the GWS leadership or the club in our experience.

“What transpired at the function is not acceptable not to the other men, women or anyone part of the club nor the public or the wider AFL community.

“I want to apologise to the community on behalf of the AFL for this behaviour.”

“Respect is not at an option, it’s a non-negotiable and we will continue to work until everyone in our game understands that.”

Giants CEO David Matthews released a statement saying the club takes full responsibility for what transpired.

“There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,” he said.

“As a club built on the values of inclusiveness and respect for all, it was a clear breach of the club’s policies and values as well as a significant departure from the standards of behaviour that we expect of our players.

“We have taken these matters seriously from the outset with a full investigation by the club, alongside the AFL.

“On behalf of the club, I apologise to our members, partners and all stakeholders.

“The players involved have apologised unreservedly for their behaviour and take responsibility for contravening the standards we expect in relation to respect, equality, inclusion and safety.

“We believe this is an isolated incident, but we understand the severity of the situation and the sanctions reflect that. As a club, alongside the AFL playing group, we take full responsibility and are implementing measures to ensure this never happens again.”

Giants AFLW captain Rebecca Beeson said they were ‘angered’ by the behaviour of their male counterparts.

“It is important that we make it known that we were deeply hurt and angered when learning of the behaviour that occurred,” she said.

“Playing the game we love gives us a platform to speak to the community, fans and young people. As the AFLW playing group, we feel it is of great importance to stress that the behaviour that included references to gender-based violence is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.

“The values of respect, diversity and inclusion are as important off the field as they are on it. We look forward to the AFL playing group learning from this incident and as a club, we are united in ensuring everyone feels safe within our game.”