'Unacceptable': GWS cops hefty fine over head of football's clash with Swans star Tom Papley

GWS Giants have been fined $20,000 by the AFL for an ugly clash between the club's football boss Jason McCartney and Swans star Tom Papley.

McCartney made contact with Papley on the SCG in an incident at quarter-time during the Swans' thrilling last gasp win in a ferociously contested qualifying final.

He admitted to wrongdoing after the game and on Tuesday the club was whacked with a sanction.

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"Jason admitted his conduct on the weekend was unacceptable and that it falls well below what is expected by the AFL and the Giants," AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said in a statement.

"The AFL took into account and appreciated McCartney's cooperation and contrition during the investigation.

"Opposition officials and players engaging each other on the field of play is something we don't want to see and we are grateful that things didn't escalate further on Saturday."

The Giants released a statement immediately after the sanction was revealed, with McCartney apologising for his actions.

He also explained what he was trying to achieve before bumping into Papley.

"I'd like to apologise for the part I played in an incident during the quarter-time break of Saturday's game," he said.

"My intention was to shepherd some of our younger players to our team huddle.

"However, I understand that I should not have put myself in a position to have any interaction with an opposition player and I unreservedly apologise for my actions."

The Giants CEO, Dave Matthews, added that McCartney was "remorseful" and that he retained the club's "full support".