The Gold Coast SUNS have completed a thorough investigation into the incident involving four players on holiday in Thailand.

As part of the investigation, the club conducted detailed discussions with each of the players concerned. The club kept the AFL fully informed at all times and received the assistance of the AFL’s integrity manager in relation to its inquiries.

The four players involved fully cooperated with the investigation and provided significant information that helped establish the facts behind the incident.

The GC SUNS can now confirm Gold Coast SUNS players Campbell Brown and Maverick Weller were involved in a verbal dispute with an unknown third party whilst in the process of leaving a party on the island of Koh Phangan during an off season holiday.

The verbal dispute escalated into a physical altercation when an unknown third party intervened. The altercation initially involved Maverick Weller and then Campbell Brown.

Brown and Weller were questioned by Thai police about the incident, as were teammates Jacob Gillbee and Joel Wilkinson, but no further action was taken. It’s important to note that Gillbee and Wilkinson were merely witnesses to the incident and not directly involved.

However GC SUNS Chief Executive Travis Auld made it clear that on this occasion, the players had failed to meet the clubs expectations. “The club places a high emphasis on player behaviour and their responsibility to the community and on this occasion the players failed to meet the standards expected of them. In doing so have let themselves and the club down.”

"The players at the Gold Coast SUNS receive ongoing education when it comes to our expectations of their behaviour and how to best avoid putting themselves at risk when they are away from the club," Auld said.

"The players have breached the club’s code of conduct by making some poor choices, not just in relation to getting involved in a verbal dispute, but by placing themselves at risk by being in such an environment.”

As a result of the detailed investigations undertaken, the following conclusions have been reached.

Campbell Brown
As a designated leader, the club feels Brown's actions were below the standards expected of him by the club. Campbell had the opportunity to avoid becoming involved in the verbal altercation and therefore the subsequent physical altercation that ensued.

As a result Campbell will be relieved of his responsibility as deputy vice captain for a period of 12 months.

We will support Campbell during this period with further education around making good decisions outside of the club environment and being a positive leader for his young teammates. We are confident that this incident and the club’s response has provided Campbell with some valuable lessons regarding his responsibility as a leader and the club’s expectations of our playing group.

Maverick Weller
Whilst Weller did put himself at risk by placing himself in such an environment, his involvement was minimal and the club is satisfied that no further action is required. The incident provided Maverick with a valuable lesson in relation to the additional responsibilities that come with being an AFL footballer.

Jacob Gillbee and Joel Wilkinson
Both players were merely witnesses to the incident and no further action will be taken.

Auld said he believed the outcome to the incident was fair and appropriate.

"When we challenged the players as to what they may have done differently if placed in the same position again, it was clear that they could have done more to avoid the situation.”

Whilst Campbell in particular is very disappointed to lose his deputy vice captaincy, he also understands his responsibilities to the club and our community as a player and a leader.

"Campbell is highly respected by everyone at the club for his courage and on-field leadership. His willingness to put his body on the line for his teammates is unquestionable. Campbell deserves the opportunity to regain his position as deputy vice captain and we will support him in doing so.”

Although extremely disappointed with the player’s actions, it is now our responsibility as a club to give these players all the support they require so as they can reach their potential as leaders on and off the field.”

"This incident has been a major wake up call for our playing group. We will use it to further educate our players.”

Auld also confirmed that the GC SUNS will review the clubs internal protocols in relation to players movements while they are on leave from the club.

Please note, the Gold Coast SUNS will not be making any further comment in relation to this matter.