AFL players are being briefed on what happens at end-of-season team functions after the league hit GWS with a series of suspensions and fines.

League chief executive Andrew Dillon said there would be “big lessons” for GWS and the rest of the competition following the September 18 functional debacle.

An anonymous complaint was made the following day to the AFL and this triggered a joint investigation with the Giants, resulting in the sanctions announced on Thursday evening.

Giants fringe player Josh Fahey is banned for four games, while key forward Jake Riccardi leads four teammates who will miss the first two games of next season.

They were all suspended for participating in skits linked to the costume party’s “controversial couples” theme, with Fahey simulating inappropriate acts on a sex doll.

Captain Toby Greene was among the senior players fined for failing to intervene to stop the skits. No club official has been sanctioned.

After announcing the sanctions for “unbecoming conduct,” Dillon was asked if that meant an end to the postseason rituals known collectively as “Mad Mondays,” which typically feature players dressing in costume and then holding private receptions.

“Clubs, as they do, should be able to celebrate or commiserate with their season ending,” Dillon said.

“But I think for GWS there will be some big lessons to be learned from this, and I think there will be some for all our clubs.

“What is important is that there is oversight and that better decisions are made. What we have here is a small number of players making very poor choices and terrible mistakes.

Dillon confirmed there was CCTV footage of the event, which was “helpful” to the investigation.

In a club statement, Greene apologized and said he was “embarrassed”, adding: “Some of the costumes and skits that took place are inappropriate and contrary to the values ​​of our club and the standards we expect of the group of players.”

Giants AFLW captain Bec Beeson was scathing in her comments.

“We were deeply hurt and angry to learn of the behavior that occurred,” she said.

“As a group of AFLW players, we believe it is very important to highlight that behaviors that reference gender-based violence are completely unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances. »

Giants general manager Dave Matthews said there was “no excuse” for the players’ behavior and steps would be taken to ensure it didn’t happen again.

Riccardi was also part of the sketch involving Fahey, while Toby McMullin and Cooper Hamilton were suspended for their costumes, which referenced the September 11 terrorist attack on New York’s Twin Towers.

Harvey Thomas and Joe Fonti were banned for acting inappropriately during their skit.

Greene was among six senior players fined $5,000, with Connor Idun and Lachie Whitfield re-enacting a slavery-themed scene from the film Django Unchained.

Greene, Sam Taylor, Tom Green and Harry Perryman were fined for failing to show leadership during the ceremony and intervening to stop the skits.