AFL 2024: GWS cops huge fine for Jason McCartney and Tom Papley incident

The AFL has slapped GWS with a hefty penalty for an incident involving a Giants staff member and a Sydney star on Saturday.

Jason McCartney and Tom Papley come together in the quarter-time incident during Saturday’s qualifying final. Picture: Channel 7

The AFL has slapped GWS with a $20,000 fine after an “unacceptable” confrontation between football boss Jason McCartney and Sydney star Tom Papley on Saturday.

McCartney and Papley made contact at the end of a quarter-time melee at the SCG, with the Giants administrator apologising for his role in the incident.

The league found McCartney guilty of breaching rule 2.3 (a) for “conduct unbecoming” after a previous warning to officials earlier this season when Essendon runner Travis Cloke tried to intervene in a scuffle between players in March.

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

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

The quarter-time incident where GWS football boss Jason McCartney made contact with Sydney forward Tom Papley. Picture: Channel 7

“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.”

McCartney explained that he had not sought to make contact with Papley and was trying to “shepherd” Giants players to their huddle.

“I’d like to apologise for the part I played in an incident during the quarter-time break of Saturday’s game,” he said.

“My intention was to shepherd some of our younger players to our team huddle.

“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 boss David Matthews said McCartney continued to have the club’s “full support”.

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

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

The AFL confirmed the fine would not be taken out of the Giants’ soft cap for football department spending.

Papley, who returned from a six-week absence due to an ankle injury, was crucial in the final moments of the game as the Swans secured a six-point win and home preliminary final.

The small forward was offered a $1,250 fine by the MRO for engaging in a melee, along with Giants captain Toby Greene.