AFL set to ban eight Giants after Hayne, Giddey, blow-up doll antics at post-season function

Eight Greater Western Sydney players are facing bans of at least two matches unless they can plead down their sanctions, as a result of the ill-fated end of season players’ party that featured an inflatable doll and players allegedly dressed as the former twin towers of New York.

And at least one player faces a longer ban than the two matches, according to a source familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Giants are in hot water over an end-of-season party.Credit: AFL Photos

Hefty bans are expected – unless the players can persuade the AFL to lighten them. Details have emerged of the skits and antics of players, including an inflatable doll and a player playing the part of ex-rugby league star Jarryd Hayne, who was convicted of rape and sentenced to a prison term in 2023 before the charges were formally dropped.

Two GWS players also dressed up as the twin towers of the World Trade Centre, according to a source familiar with some of the skits who spoke on condition of strict anonymity.

Another player played the part of Australian basketball star Josh Giddey, who also faced an NBA investigation for an off-court indiscretion before he was cleared by the NBA. The Giants released a statement on Wednesday night and said some of the allegations were “distressing” and “contrary to the club’s values”.

This masthead can confirm that there is CCTV footage of the end-of-season party that has been accessed by either the club or the AFL.

GWS skipper Toby Greene did not participate in any offensive skit – coming to the private function as Olympic breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn – but is still facing a fine of $20,000 for his involvement at the event, as the league clearly takes a dim view of the end of season “wacky Wednesday.”

The names of the banned players will become public in the coming days, potentially as soon as Thursday if the sanctions are finalised.

The players, some of whom are overseas, will have the opportunity to plead their case after being told of their proposed sanctions.

The AFL Commission will sign off on any penalties, which are certain to be contested by the AFL Players Association who act on behalf of the players and their interests.

In the statement on Wednesday, the Giants said they were “aware of allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the players’ end-of-season event last month.”

The statement continued: “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.”

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