Geelong Apologises, Pledges Mad Monday Changes

Geelong Football Club apologised after players' Mad Monday costumes and social-media posts — including Bailey Smith’s Brokeback Mountain reference with captain Patrick Dangerfield and a photo of Max Holmes dressed as journalist Caroline Wilson — were widely criticised and some posts were later deleted. Reports also said some players dressed as Irish rap group Kneecap, prompting concern given recent legal controversy, and media figures and LGBTQIA+ leaders (including Pride Cup leadership and former player Mitch Brown) called the behaviour disrespectful and homophobic. AFL football performance executive general manager Greg Swann said the league had spoken with Geelong and generally prefers clubs to deal with player behaviour, while reserving the right to step in if necessary. Geelong said future post-season events "will not continue in this current form," pledged education on expectations and community standards, and the episode has prompted renewed scrutiny of Mad Monday activities after past end-of-season sanctions such as those imposed on GWS.