Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide make powerful statement against domestic violence in moving tribute ahead of The Showdown
Football stars came together on Thursday to say “enough is enough”, as part of the AFL’s powerful stance against domestic violence.
Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide stood together before the first bounce, with the crowd at Adelaide Oval observing a minute’s silence to remember women who have died due to violence at the hands of men.
The AFL’s move has divided the football world, with some fans and greats of the game saying the move is meaningless.
Some have even called the AFL hypocritical for seeking to welcome back a player like Tarryn Thomas who was convicted of domestic violence-related conduct.
“Nothing more than hypocritical grandstanding,” one fan wrote on X.
“Remember, Tarryn Thomas is not the only one who has committed violence against women. You have media (Wayne Carey), other current and former players (read Night Games, Milne). There are so much in and around AFL and footy culture The AFL needs drastic action, not just lights and hugs,” posted another.
“It’s high class… don’t buy it for a second! Tarryn Thomas will be back, which is disgusting enough!’ wrote another.
“And yet next year Tarryn Thomas will be back on a list, and the AFL media will clearly proclaim it on every platform and it will all be just another act of virtue,” replied a third.
Essendon coach Brad Scott believes the troubled star deserves a second chance, but Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel – who experienced and witnessed horrific domestic violence growing up – isn’t so sure .
“I feel very uncomfortable with this. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he’s had a number of chances with his alleged behavior,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified.
“But at some point there has to be a fork in the road, because the forgiveness angle didn’t work.” In fact, the numbers are getting worse.
“I was part of a campaign that happened seven years ago, trying to very visually position the AFL as a leader, saying no to domestic violence, starting conversations, parents with children. And our situation is getting worse.
“So I understand your principle that the AFL, we can lead the charge, we can rehabilitate, we can be a leader in this area.”
“But all of this, sorry, try again, try again, isn’t working. So at some point, what’s happened in the past… we actually have to go in a little bit more of a different direction. I lean a little towards more zero tolerance than the others because it affects me personally.
“I’m open to any discussion but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, another woman dying… I just find it very hard.”
More soon.
