GWS football boss Jason McCartney has apologised for his role in an incident during Saturday's Sydney Derby after being fined $20,000 by the AFL.
The incident occurred at quarter-time after a melee on the field involving players from both sides; McCartney was seen on video to approach Swans star Tom Papley, bump into him and seemingly exchange words with the player.
GWS Head of Football Jason McCartney and Tom Papley were involved in this passage at half-time.#AFLFinals #AFLSwansGiants pic.twitter.com/RmZplVobGf
— AFL (@AFL) September 7, 2024
McCartney is still free to enter the field of play during breaks in games going forward despite his punishment.
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In a statement, McCartney said: "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."
It is not the first time McCartney has fell foul of the AFL, being fined the same amount in 2021 for verbally abusing umpires at half-time of a match against the Western Bulldogs.
The incident on Saturday was the biggest in what was a spicy and spiteful affair between the two rivals, with the Swans pulling off a mesmerising comeback late on to seal a six-point win and a spot in the preliminary finals.
Papley and Toby Greene were also fined $1,875 for their role in the melee that led to the McCartney incident, as they were both considered to be the instigators on the field.
The Giants continue their preparations this week for a home elimination final against Brisbane on Saturday night.
