The AFL has announced that the GWS Giants have been fined $20,000 following an investigation into an incident involving the club’s General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, during Saturday’s Qualifying Final at the SCG.
The breach relates to AFL Rule 2.3(a) – Conduct Unbecoming, which occurred after McCartney made contact with Sydney Swans player Tom Papley at quarter time. While the fine will not impact the club’s soft cap, the AFL emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Jason McCartney, GWS Giants GM of Football is seen during the 2024 AFL First Qualifying Final match between the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 07, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said, “Jason admitted his conduct on the weekend was unacceptable and that it falls well below what is expected by the AFL and the Giants. The AFL appreciated McCartney’s cooperation and contrition during the investigation.”
Meade also highlighted that opposition officials and players engaging on the field is something the league aims to avoid. “We are grateful that things didn’t escalate further on Saturday.”
The Giants have accepted the sanction as the AFL continues to uphold the standards of conduct expected from all officials and players in the game.
McCartney released a statement, saying:
“I’d like to apologise for the part I played in an incident during the quarter-time break of Saturday’s game. 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.”
