More than half a dozen Giants players face suspensions or fines over inappropriate behaviour at the players’ end of season function.
The Giants and the AFL integrity unit are investigating the players after an anonymous complaint about inappropriate behaviour of the players who wore costumes and performed skits at the function.
GWS Giants players are facing punishment over their end-of-season function.Credit: AFL Photos
Two sources familiar with the investigation have confirmed “a handful” of players are likely to be suspended from the opening rounds of next season, or face financial penalty, over the skits that were described as “highly inappropriate”.
The players-only “Wacky Wednesday” end-of-season celebrations were held in a private room of a hotel which was closed off to the public. Coaches and staff were there for the early part of the function but not when the offensive skits were performed.
Some of the players involved are still overseas and only learned of the club and AFL investigation when emailed on Tuesday.
Penalties will not be finalised until all players have returned from holidays and had a chance to speak with club and AFL officials.
GWS had a disappointing finals campaign, agonisingly losing finals to the Swans and Brisbane Lions despite leading by 28 and 44 points respectively late in each game.
The Giants have one of the AFL’s strongest playing lists, although they have lost four senior players to other clubs this off-season – James Peatling, Isaac Cumming, Harry Perryman and Nick Haynes. They are poised to recruit explosive forward Jake Stringer from the Bombers before the trade period closes on Wednesday night.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the AFL told this masthead: “The AFL and the GWS Giants have been undertaking an investigation into the Giants players’ post-season event, which is in its final stages. An update will be provided by the AFL once the investigation has concluded.”
More to come
Get daily updates on all the AFL trade period action. Sign up for our Real Footy newsletter.
