The GIANTS today met with an AFL Commission sub-committee to defend a charge under AFL rule 2.3 in relation to an integrity matter stemming from 2015. 

The sub-committee handed down a sanction of a $100,000 fine and the loss of 1,000 draft points. 

The GIANTS submitted that a broader club sanction was unwarranted in the understanding that the former staff members acted outside of their authority in managing circumstances and taking matters into their own hands. 

The GIANTS believe the individuals' handling of the matter was independent of the club and did not conform with the clearly established club protocols, thus in no way relating to a governance failure on behalf of the Club.  

In applying the sanction, the AFL Commission sub-committee pleasingly acknowledged:

- That the sub-committee found that the Club’s Board, CEO and COO had no knowledge of the offending conduct and the club’s governance in relation to this matter could not be criticised.

- That the sub-committee gave credit to the establishment and operation of the club’s Integrity Committee and its prompt reaction once it became aware of the original complaint.

The Club takes integrity matters extremely seriously and has cooperated fully with the AFL on this matter from the outset. Whilst disappointed, the Club now accepts the decision handed down and will move forward positively towards the 2017 season.