GWS captain Toby Greene’s manager says $20k fine for Wacky Wednesday behaviour is over the top

As more details of the behaviour of GWS players at an end-of-season function emerge, the captain’s manager has hit back at prospective fines.

A potential $20,000 fine for Toby Greene is a bit steep, his manager says. Picture: Phil Hillyard

GWS captain Toby Greene “needed to be better” but an expected $20,000 fine for failing to pull up teammates set to be banned for bad behaviour at a player-only function could be “too much” according to his manager.

Greene is among as many as six GWS players facing sanctions over inappropriate behaviour at the players-only “Wacky Wednesday” party that reportedly featured an inflatable doll and skits poking fun at former NRL star Jarryd Hayne.

The Giants captain was not involved in any of the skits but is facing his large fine for showing a lack of leadership in not stopping his teammates.

His manager, Paul Connors, conceded to some fault on Greene’s behalf but said the timing of the day, held soon after GWS gave up a 44-point lead in the semi-final loss to the Brisbane Lions, impacted his behaviour.

“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.

Dejected Toby Greene during the AFL finals. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“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, saying some of the allegations were “distressing” and “contrary to the club’s values” but also that some, with suggestions a blow-up doll was involved, were part of “misinformation”.

An AFL investigation has allocated fines and suspensions, which the players involved are weighing up whether to take or challenge.

“The Giants confirmed yesterday the club is aware of allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the players’ end-of-season event last month,” the club statement read.

“The club is taking the matter very seriously and acted swiftly upon the receipt of the concerns. All parties have co-operated fully with the AFL to ensure the allegations are fully investigated.

“Some of the allegations are distressing and entirely contrary to the club’s values and policies. There is also a level of misinformation and rumour being circulated which is entirely inappropriate, particularly while the investigation is ongoing.

“The club will comment further once the outcomes of the investigation are finalised.”