After facing a four-match suspension from the AFL for his involvement in the recent GWS Giants' Wacky Wednesday controversy, Josh Fahey's future with the Giants is confirmed, putting an end to widespread speculation about the 20-year-old defender's standing within the club.
In a statement to The Canberra Times, GWS revealed Fahey's contract has been extended through to the end of 2025, despite an earlier listing on the club's website that noted his contract as ending in 2024.
The Giants' end-of-season Wacky Wednesday event, held last month, has since become infamous for the controversial costumes and skits performed by multiple players. Fahey received the most severe punishment after impersonating former NRL player Jarryd Hayne and simulating inappropriate acts with an inflatable doll.
Alongside Fahey, five other players, including forward Jake Riccardi, received two-game suspensions, and seven senior players, including captain Toby Greene, were fined $5,000 for failing to demonstrate โappropriate levels of leadership.โ
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon expressed disappointment over the incident, highlighting that the actions displayed were โcompletely unacceptableโ and affirming the league's commitment to upholding a respectful environment.
Dillon's statements came after CCTV footage from the event confirmed the players' conduct, with the league penalising the players under its โconduct unbecomingโ rule.
The AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) condemned the sanctions as โdisproportionate,โ with AFLPA CEO Paul Marsh arguing that the players were denied procedural fairness. Marsh highlighted the lack of independent support for players during the investigation and raised concerns over the AFL's inconsistent disciplinary framework.
โThis process lacked procedural fairness, and procedural fairness is critical to ensuring integrity and confidence in AFL processes,โ Marsh said.
Meanwhile, the GWS AFLW team voiced their disapproval of the players' actions, with captain Rebecca Beeson condemning the behaviour as โcompletely unacceptable under any circumstances.โ
Former AFLW All Australian Kate McCarthy also spoke out, asserting that the behaviour perpetuates a culture of disrespect and can have harmful implications beyond the football field.
Despite the controversy, GWS has opted to retain Fahey, committing to further education for the entire playing group on issues related to respect, gender-based violence, and cultural sensitivity.
The Giants' Chief Executive Dave Matthews emphasised that there is โno excuseโ for the players' conduct, adding that the club will bolster its education programs to prevent such behaviour in the future.
Fahey, who joined the Giants in the 2021 national draft and debuted in Round 11 of the 2023 season, will serve his suspension through the opening rounds of the next season.
