GWS players under investigation for misconduct at post-season function

A series of offensive skits and dress-ups at a GWS post-season function have been revealed. MARK ROBINSON has the latest details.

A skit involving a player dressed as rugby league player Jarryd Hayne and a blow-up sex doll is at the centre of an AFL Integrity investigation into the GWS Giants’ “Wacky Wednesday” antics.

The low-profile player’s act headlined a series of distasteful and offensive dress-ups and performances by players at a private club function promoted as “Troubled Couples”.

Other themes are believed to have involved players dressing as the World Trade Centre towers, and one other player dressed as basketballer Josh Giddey, who was at the centre of, and ultimately cleared of, inappropriate behaviour by the NBA.

There were also reports of a sketch that involved rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Hayne was jailed in 2023 for sexual assault, but in June this year had his conviction quashed and was released from jail.

A GWS player is believed to have dressed up as Jarryd Hayne at a post-season function.

The post-season scandal could result in half a dozen Giants players suspended, while others could be fined.

Skipper Toby Greene and the general leadership group face fines of up to $20,000 for not stopping the “highly inappropriate” skits.

The details of the event came to light following an anonymous tip-off to the Giants, with many believing it came from a worker at the pub where the function took place.

Another theory is the partner of a player – there were no females at the event – was made aware of the behaviour and ensured the club was informed.

Several players are preparing submissions to AFL Integrity in a bid to avoid a suspension.

It’s understood the Giants are seeking financial penalties so the players can avoid carrying impending penalties for six months.

The “Troubled Couples” event took place on September 18, and while many coaches and staff attended the function throughout the day, it is believed the misconduct occurred later in the evening when mainly players remained.

While some players had dressed innocuously, including as teammates in Giants’ playing gear, others are believed to have gone as other figures including Australian Olympic breakdancing competitor Rachael Gunn (Raygun).

A number of Giants are attempting to avoid bans. Picture: Getty Images

The Giants launched their own investigations into the event and while they understand nothing illegal took place, it’s believed they are disgusted with some of the offensive behaviour.

Their own impending sanctions, which did not include suspensions, were overruled by the AFL.

The players were informed on Tuesday afternoon of the punishment and that they had about 48 hours to respond. Many were overseas on post-season holidays when they were informed.

The Giants issued a statement on Tuesday night confirming the investigation.

“The Giants are aware of an anonymous allegation of inappropriate behaviour at the players’ end-of-season event last month,” the statement said.

“The club and its integrity unit have been working with the AFL’s integrity unit to investigate. The club will make no further comment until the outcomes of the investigation have been finalised.”

The AFL reiterated the Giants’ statement, saying there would be no further comment until the investigation was completed.

“The AFL and the GWS Giants have been undertaking an investigation into the Giants players’ post-season event which is in its final stages,” the statement read.

“An update will be provided by the AFL once the investigation has concluded.”

The AFL Players’ Association confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that it would be “inappropriate to comment” while the investigation is ongoing.

Originally published as GWS players under investigation for misconduct at post-season function