GWS Giants handed significant fine over incident with Sydney’s Tom Papley

Giants footy boss Jason McCartney has learned his fate from the AFL after his collision with Swan Tom Papley at the SCG.

GWS footy manager Jason McCartney has learned his fate after he made contact with Swans forward Tom Papley at quarter-time of Saturday’s epic AFL final at the SCG.

The Swans and Giants were being separated as the teams headed for the rooms at the first break, with McCartney out there supporting his team, an unusual move for a footy official.

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He soon crossed paths with Papley, who is a known agitator out on the field, and neither took a backward step.

As you can see in the video player below, the pair briefly clashed before Papley shot a glance back at the 50-year-old.

McCartney played 182 games with the Pies, Crows and Kangaroos before retiring in 2003 and also famously survived the horrendous 2002 Bali bombings.

But many felt McCartney was in the wrong place at the wrong time during the Papley incident and the AFL has now agreed.

The league has just released a statement on the incident, hitting the Giants with a $20,000 sanction for breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) Conduct Unbecoming.

The statement said the $20,000 sanction will not be included in GWS’ soft cap.

“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.

“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.”

Papley and the Swans had the last laugh in one of the great finals ever seen at the SCG. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

The Giants have also released a statement since the decision was handed down, featuring comments from both McCartney and GWS chief executive Dave Matthews.

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

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

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

McCartney has expressed his remorse over the incident. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The incident was discussed during the match, when the Swans stormed home from a 28-point deficit in one of the great finals ever played at the SCG.

“Tom Papley has been in everything and look as they come off the ground, head of footy Jason McCartney is out there and (has) a little bit of interaction with Tom Papley and a couple of words exchanged,” Luke Darcy said on the Channel 7 coverage.

“I’m not sure Jason probably should be out there,” Matthew Richardson replied.

“He should be just getting down to the rooms and letting the players sort themselves out, that would be my take.”

Ex-Swan Jude Bolton agreed, adding: “I don’t think he should be in there. Papley has been looking to chest everyone on the field.”

The incident also sparked a range of reactions on social media.

“Really shouldn’t have been that close to the players Jason, you’re not playing,” was one comment on Facebook.

The Giants get a second chance this weekend against the Lions. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

“Tom Papley deliberately walked into Jason,” suggested another fan.

“Can’t stand Papley but Jason should not be in there, he will get a please explain,” offered a third.

On X, many fans felt McCartney could be in trouble for his action.

One wrote: “What is an administrator doing there??”

Another stated: “What’s the football manager doing on the field? Should be suspended.”

One fan wrote simply: “Big fine for Jason.”

Papley had the last laugh on the day, returning from injury to end the day with 16 disposals, four marks, four clearances and two goals for the Swans.

McCartney may well stay off the field when the Giants host the Lions Brisbane in a semi-final this weekend.

The Swans have a week off before hosting the winner of Friday’s clash between Port Adelaide and Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval.