The Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, at the centre of the GWS Giants' 'wacky Wednesday' party scandal, could face sanctions from Liquor and Gaming NSW (L&GNSW), according to reports. The hotel, owned by the Laundy Hotel Group, has been referred to an independent hearing over alleged breaches of liquor laws.
Six Giants players were banned and seven others fined following the 'completely unacceptable' events during the club's end-of-season function in 2024. The party, themed 'controversial couples', involved players arriving in unsavoury fancy dress and performing multiple 'unacceptable' skits.
L&GNSW's investigation considered alleged indecent conduct on the premises and failure by the venue to take reasonable steps to prevent behaviour likely to encourage alcohol misuse. The authority has demanded an independent hearing to determine how the function was allowed to take place.
AFL journalist Mitch Cleary claimed the hotel could 'be stripped of its licence'. However, the Giants and the AFL consider the matter closed and will not take further action. No criminal behaviour was alleged, and NSW police were not involved.
Among the skits, Josh Fahey dressed as ex-NRL player Jarryd Hayne and simulated inappropriate acts on a sex doll. Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton simulated the September 11 attacks. Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield re-enacted a scene from Django Unchained depicting slavery.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon condemned the behaviour, stating it did not uphold the values of the AFL or the Giants. The players received cumulative bans of 14 matches and fines totalling $35,000.
