Geelong has apologised after backlash to its Mad Monday celebrations, confirming the end‑of‑season party won’t run in its current form again.
The club put out a statement on Wednesday evening, acknowledging that “certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgement”. The apology came after midfielder Bailey Smith posted a string of photos from the function, held in the wake of the Cats’ Grand Final loss to Brisbane.
In one post, Smith stood next to captain Patrick Dangerfield, and while neither player was dressed as characters from Brokeback Mountain, he captioned it: “Or Brokeback Mountain, depends how ya look at it.”
He followed with: “This is what losing a granny does to ya. Alright, phone away now. Bye.”
Smith also shared a photo of Max Holmes dressed as veteran football journalist Caroline Wilson, adding the caption: “never looked better”.
“Geelong Football Club sincerely apologises for the offence caused following our end‑of‑season gathering on Monday,” the Cats said in their statement.
“Certain costumes and associated social media posts were inappropriate and a significant error of judgement, and do not reflect our Team of All commitment. The club has decided future post‑season events will not continue in this current form, and we will take this moment to further educate our people on expectations and club and community standards.”
Mitch Brown weighs in
The posts grabbed the attention of former West Coast player Mitch Brown, who in August became the first AFL footballer to publicly come out as bisexual. Brown reshared one of Smith’s captions with an image of the late Heath Ledger, who starred in Brokeback Mountain.
“Just for the record, Heath Ledger’s way hotter,” he wrote.
He then directly addressed the caption in another post, saying: “In all seriousness though, guys do better. Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn’t make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser.”
Brown has been vocal about the need for better education and inclusivity across the AFL and has urged the league to take stronger action on homophobia.
Before Geelong’s statement was released, AFL general manager of football performance Greg Swann told media the league had already spoken to the club.
“We think the clubs are the best people to deal with it, their players,” Swann said. “We’re not thrilled, obviously, with what happened and nor are Geelong.”
When asked if the AFL considered stepping in, Swann said the preference was for individual clubs to manage player behaviour.
“You might see that change. As I said, I think these are club issues. I’m not sure why the AFL [would step in]. We will step in if we have to, but let the clubs deal with it,” he clarified.
It comes a year after a group of GWS players were fined and suspended over sexist skits and costumes at their own Mad Monday.
This time around, Geelong says changes are coming, confirming its post‑season celebrations “will not continue in this current form”.
Lead image: Getty Images
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