Jason McCartney slapped with mammoth fine after ‘unacceptable’ clash with Tom Papley

The AFL has slapped GWS’ Jason McCartney with a mammoth fine after an ‘unacceptable’ confrontation with Tom Papley in the Swans’ heated win over the Giants.

The AFL has slapped GWS Giants with a massive $20,000 fine for Jason McCartney’s “unacceptable” on-field confrontation with star Sydney Swan Tom Papley on Saturday.

The league handed down the heavy sanction on Tuesday afternoon after finding McCartney guilty of breaching the league’s conduct unbecoming rules.

However, the $20,000 fine will not count in the club’s soft cap on football department expenditure, the AFL confirmed.

McCartney bumped into Papley at quarter time as the two teams clashed in a heated skirmish in the Swans’ thrilling qualifying final win over the Giants at the SCG.

Papley had been at the centre of a wrestle with Giant Toby Greene and was attempting to walk to the Swans’ huddle when Papley’s chest and McCartney’s chest came together as both teams fumed.

Greene and Papley were both fined by match review officer Michael Christian for their involvement in the push and shove but other players were spared any sanction.

The AFL’s general counsel Stephen Meade said McCartney’s actions were clearly out of line.

“Jason admitted his conduct on the weekend was unacceptable and that it falls well below what is expected by the AFL and the Giants,” Meade said.

“The AFL took into account and appreciated McCartney’s co-operation and contrition during the investigation.

“Opposition officials and players engaging each other on the field of play is something we don’t want to see and we are grateful that things didn’t escalate further on Saturday.”

Tension was high all day between the Sydney rivals. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

McCartney was previously fined $20,000 when he unleashed a verbal tirade at umpires in a 2021 game against Western Bulldogs.

The popular football boss said he acted inappropriately.

“I would like to apologise for the part I played in an incident during the quarter-time break of Saturday’s game. My intention was to shepherd some of our younger players to our team huddle,” McCartney said.

“However, I understand that I should not have put myself in a position to have any interaction with an opposition player and I unreservedly apologise for my actions.”

Giants’ Chief executive officer David Matthews said the club would continue to support him.

“Jason has accepted responsibility for his role in the incident, understands the ramifications of his actions and is very remorseful,” Matthews said.

“A respected and highly regarded member of our industry, he has our full support in the important role he plays at our club.”

Originally published as Jason McCartney slapped with mammoth fine after ‘unacceptable’ clash with Tom Papley