Following investigations by the GIANTS and the AFL, the AFL today handed down sanctions to members of the club’s AFL playing group.    

The allegations pertained to an event organised by, and attended by, the majority of the AFL playing group. The club acted swiftly upon receiving a complaint and co-operated fully with the AFL to ensure both parties fully investigated the facts.   

“There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,” said GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews.   

“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.”   

The club’s investigation concluded:   

• Some individual players breached GIANTS policies and values in relation to acceptable behaviour with the potential to bring themselves and the club into disrepute.   
• By failing to intervene to prevent the misconduct, player leaders present at the event failed to: (a) uphold the values of the club; and (b) fulfil the responsibilities that come with the privilege of being granted a leadership position.   
• There was no illegal conduct.      

The players were charged by the AFL under rule 2.3(a); conduct unbecoming or prejudicial to the AFL.       

The AFL have sanctioned the following players:   

• Josh Fahey has received a four-match suspension for his costume and involvement in a skit.   
• Jake Riccardi, Toby McMullin, Harvey Thomas, Joe Fonti and Cooper Hamilton received two-match suspensions for their costumes and involvement in skits. 
• Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield have each been fined $5,000 for their costumes and involvement in a skit. 
• Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Tom Green, Lachlan Keeffe and Harry Perryman have each been fined $5,000 for failing to uphold the values of the club as player leaders in attendance.     

The club has committed to the following actions:    

• Provide further and meaningful education for the entire AFL playing group.    
• Review and implement practices to strengthen and enhance culture.    
• Review practices and procedures around player events.     

AFL captain Toby Greene said:    

“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.  
  
“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.” 
  
AFLW captain Rebecca Beeson said, on behalf of the playing group:  

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

“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.”