GWS coach Cam Bernasconi has revealed the emotional turmoil faced by the Giants’ AFLW team following the recent behaviour of the club’s men’s squad.
The side’s preparation for their week-eight fixture against Hawthorn in Frankston on Saturday was largely overshadowed by the fallout of the men’s post-season function that involved sexist skits and inappropriate costumes.
The AFL handed suspensions or fines to 13 current and former Giants AFL players on Thursday.
The league said their behaviour at last month’s function was “completely unacceptable”.
Six were suspended, with Josh Fahey given the lengthiest ban of four matches after dressing as former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and simulating “inappropriate acts on a sex doll”.
Toby Greene was one of seven players fined $5,000, with the Giants captain among those punished by the AFL for showing a lack of leadership and failing to stop the performance of the skits.
“The whole AFLW program was really disappointed with the actions of what went on, and that does filter into the footy club.
“I was really proud with how the girls could weather that this week and then come out [and play competitively against the Hawks].
“There’s a big emotional toll that has on not just the playing group, but everyone inside the footy club with the actions of what happened.
“You see a lot of emotional fatigue probably late in the game, but I was so proud that they came out and played a strong brand of footy.”
On Thursday, Giants AFLW captain Rebecca Beeson expressed her disappointment in the behaviour of the men’s players.
“It is important that we make it known that we were deeply hurt and angered when learning of the behaviour that occurred,” Beeson said in a club statement.
“Playing the game we love gives us a platform to speak to the community, fans and young people.
“As the AFLW playing group, we feel it is of great importance to stress that the behaviour that included references to gender-based violence is completely unacceptable under any circumstances.
“The values of respect, diversity and inclusion are as important off the field as they are on it.
“We look forward to the AFL playing group learning from this incident and as a club, we are united in ensuring everyone feels safe within our game.”
AAP/ABC
