Toby Greene’s manager Paul Connors said the GWS captain accepted that he “needed to be better” as the players face sanctions over their controversial end-of-season function.
Eight Giants players face suspensions or fines over inappropriate behaviour at the players-only “Wacky Wednesday” party that featured an inflatable doll and players allegedly dressed as the former twin towers of New York.
Toby Greene is facing a fine of $20,000 for his involvement at the end-of-season function. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
This masthead has reported players are facing bans of at least two matches unless they can plead down their sanctions.
At least one player faces a longer ban than the two matches, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Greene did not participate in any offensive skit – coming to the private function as Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn – but is still facing a fine of $20,000 for his involvement at the event.
“Toby accepts that he’s the leader of the club and he needed to be better,” Connors told SEN on Thursday morning.
“But additionally, he had as much interest being on that Mad Monday as you would have done. He’d lost a game that he was up by 44 points.
“He was emotionally drained and not in a state of thinking about anything.
“So yes, Toby accepts that he could have done things better, but again, it’s others to debate whether $20,000 is too much.”
The Giants released a statement on Wednesday night and said some of the allegations were “distressing” and “contrary to the club’s values”.
This masthead can confirm that there is CCTV footage of the end-of-season party that has been accessed by either the club or the AFL.
One player reportedly dressed as ex-rugby league star Jarryd Hayne, who was convicted of rape and sentenced to a prison term in 2023 before the charges were formally dropped.
Two GWS players also dressed up as the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, according to a source familiar with some of the skits who spoke on condition of strict anonymity.
Another player played the part of Australian basketball star Josh Giddey, who also faced an NBA investigation for an off-court indiscretion before he was cleared by the NBA.
Connors said the potential $20,000 fine against Greene had not been finalised yet.
“The AFL will decide when the AFL is ready, but it’s a sensitive matter and I’ll let it play out,” he said.
Connors confirmed the AFL Players Association – who act on behalf of players and their interests – were involved and “would speak at the right time”.
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