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Geelong Football Club Abolishes 'Mad Monday' After Player Misconduct

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. bolishes-mad-monday-after-player-misconduct.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 8:38 GMT by 7NEWS
      Locales: Victoria, AUSTRALIA

Geelong, Australia - February 25th, 2026 - The Geelong Football Club has officially ended its long-standing 'Mad Monday' tradition following a series of incidents involving players during this year's post-season celebrations. The decision, announced earlier today, comes after footage circulated online depicting inappropriate behaviour, prompting a public apology from the club and significant fan backlash.

'Mad Monday' is a time-honored tradition in Australian Rules Football (AFL), where players celebrate the end of the season with a day of revelry, often involving themed costumes, boat trips, and city-wide activities. However, in recent years, the tradition has come under increasing scrutiny as incidents of misconduct have marred what was once considered harmless fun. Geelong's decision to abolish the practice highlights a growing awareness within the AFL of the need to balance player celebration with responsible behavior and the maintenance of a positive club image.

The incidents that triggered this latest response involved footage surfacing of Geelong players on a boat engaging in conduct deemed inappropriate by the club. A separate, as-yet-undetailed incident involving a player in the Geelong city center further compounded the issues. While the club has not released specific details of the misbehaviour, CEO Steve Hirst issued a statement acknowledging the unacceptable nature of the actions and expressing the club's commitment to addressing the situation.

"We are aware of a number of incidents that occurred during the customary post-season celebration for our players," Hirst stated. "We acknowledge that some behaviours were unacceptable and fell short of the standards we set and expect of our players. We have been in contact with the players involved and will be working with them to ensure they understand the impact of their actions."

The immediate consequence of these incidents is the permanent discontinuation of 'Mad Monday'. This decision marks a significant shift for the club, which has historically embraced the tradition as a way for players to de-stress and bond after a grueling season. However, the club clearly believes that the potential risks associated with the event now outweigh the benefits.

Geelong isn't alone in facing these challenges. Other AFL clubs have previously grappled with similar issues related to 'Mad Monday' celebrations. Several clubs have already implemented stricter guidelines and increased supervision of these events in recent years, limiting access to alcohol, mandating designated drivers, and ensuring a stronger focus on player welfare. The Geelong case, however, appears to be the first where a club has opted for complete abolition.

Beyond addressing the immediate fallout, Geelong has pledged to bolster its player education programs. The club recognizes that simply ending 'Mad Monday' isn't enough; a proactive approach to instilling a culture of respect and accountability is essential. These programs will likely focus on responsible alcohol consumption, appropriate social conduct, and the importance of representing the club and the wider Geelong community in a positive light. The club is reportedly consulting with AFL Players' Association representatives to develop a comprehensive curriculum.

Fan reaction has been mixed. While many express disappointment at the loss of a traditional celebration, the overwhelming sentiment is that player behavior must take precedence. Social media has been flooded with comments from supporters calling for accountability and praising the club's willingness to address the issue head-on. A vocal minority, however, argues that the incidents were blown out of proportion and that the club is overreacting.

This incident raises broader questions about the culture of celebration within professional sports and the responsibilities athletes have to the communities they represent. The pressure to perform at a high level, combined with the intense media scrutiny, can create a volatile environment. Finding a balance between allowing athletes to unwind and ensuring they adhere to appropriate standards of conduct remains a significant challenge for all sporting organizations.

The Geelong Football Club's decision signals a potential turning point in how AFL clubs approach post-season celebrations. It is likely that other clubs will closely monitor the situation in Geelong and consider whether similar measures are necessary to safeguard their own reputations and ensure the responsible behavior of their players.