The hotel at the centre of the GWS Giants’ ‘wacky Wednesday’ party scandal could now be set to face sanctions from a government body, according to reports.
Six Giants players received bans and seven others were fined over the ‘completely unacceptable’ events that took place during the club’s end-of-season function in 2024.
The theme for the party was ‘controversial couples’, with the AFL Integrity Unit’s investigations revealing that players arrived at a venue in Sydney in unsavoury fancy dress outfits and performed multiple ‘unacceptable’ skits.
Seven News’ Mitch Cleary claimed on Tuesday night that the players had gathered at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel.
It is understood that some patrons, who were not included as part of the function, saw some of the acts taking place.
There is no accusation that any of the alleged behaviour was criminal. Following an investigation the Giants and the AFL’s integrity unit cleared the players of any illegal conduct. NSW police have not been, and are not, involved.
Multiple GWS Giants players were fined and received bans following their end-of-season party last season
AFL journalist Mitch Cleary revealed that the Wooloomooloo hotel could be set to face sanctions over GWS’ ‘Wacky Wednesday’ party
Now, though, Cleary reports that the Woolloomooloo hotel could be facing sanctions after Liquor and Gaming NSW (L&GNSW) has demanded an independent hearing be held to ascertain how the wild ‘wacky Wednesday’ function was allowed to take place on its premises.
The pub, which is located at Sydney Cove, is owned by the Laundy Hotel Group.
Millionaire publican Stu Laundy, who once dated Sophie Monk, is the CEO of the hotel chain. It is not suggested that Laundy, or the Laundy Group, had any knowledge of the conduct.
However, Cleary has claimed that the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel could ‘be stripped of its licence.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel for comment.
He added that the Giants and the AFL ‘consider the matter closed’ and won’t be taking any further action.
A statement from L&GNSW, issued to Seven news, read: ‘The investigation considered alleged indecent conduct on the premises and failure by the venue to take reasonable steps to prevent behaviour likely to encourage the misuse and abuse of alcohol.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon condemned the behaviour of the players following the AFL’s investigation
Josh Fahey was handed a four-game ban for his costume and involvement in a skit
Jake Riccardi and four other players were handed two-match suspensions following their involvement
‘L&GNSW determined that the alleged breaches warranted referral to the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority which will now consider two disciplinary complaints.
‘L&GNSW is committed to holding licensed venues accountable and reminds operators that serious penalties may apply for breaches of liquor laws, licence conditions or failures in the responsible service of alcohol.’
As a result of the ‘wacky Wednesday’ party, six players were banned for a cumulative 14 matches. Meanwhile, the players were fined a cumulative total of $35,000 following a probe into the wild party.
During their investigations, the AFL’s Integrity unit found Josh Fahey had dressed as ex-NRL player Jarryd Hayne. Jake Riccardi dressed as a taxi driver. ‘Fahey simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll. Riccardi was not involved in that part of the skit,’ the AFL said.
Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton simulated the September 11 terrorist attacks while wearing a costume related to the tragic event.
Meanwhile, Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield dressed as characters from the movie Django Unchained and re-enacted a scene from the film that depicted slavery.
The AFL also found that senior leaders Toby Greene, Tom Green, Sam Taylor, Harry Perryman and Lachie Keeffe ‘failed to display appropriate levels of leadership reasonably expected of each of them in failing to step in to stop the acts continuing.’ They each copped a $5,000 fine as a result.
‘The behaviour and the disrespect the players have demonstrated at this event do not uphold any of the values of the AFL or the Giants and the behaviour is not acceptable in any setting at any time.’ AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said, apologising for the acts of the players in October last year.
The AFL revealed that Connor Idun (pictured) along with Lachie Whitfield ‘had enacted a scene from the movie Django Unchained, characterising slavery’
‘There is nothing funny or clever about these actions and we are not as a code and competition prepared to accept these behaviours.
‘We are also very disappointed that none of the leaders sanctioned sought to stop the behaviour.
‘I do want to pay credit to whoever it was who made the anonymous complaint and thank them for refusing to walk past the behaviours.’
Both Giants CEO David Matthews and Toby Greene apologised publicly on behalf of the team.
‘There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour that took place and we’re very distressed by some of the incidents that occurred,’ said GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews.
‘As a club built on the values of inclusiveness and respect for all, it was a clear breach of the club’s policies and values as well as a significant departure from the standards of behaviour that we expect of our players.
‘We have taken these matters seriously from the outset with a full investigation by the club, alongside the AFL.
‘On behalf of the club, I apologise to our members, partners and all stakeholders.’
Greene added: ‘Firstly, I would like to apologise for the events that occurred. As a leader of the club and captain of the team, I am embarrassed that we are in this situation and that I failed to uphold my responsibilities as a leader to prevent it. I am disappointed I did not adequately process the situation and intervene in the moment.
‘Some of the costumes and skits that took place are unbecoming and contrary to the values of our club and the standards we expect of the playing group. I understand that as leaders we need to learn from this situation and ensure it never happens again.’
