- Fan insults AFLW player
- Brisbane sealed a 68-41 victory against St Kilda
- The player was left crying after three quarters
The AFL Integrity Unit is investigating reports of public abuse directed at Brisbane forward Dakota Davidson during her team’s win against St Kilda on Sunday.
The 25-year-old was left in tears after a spectator heckled her just before three-quarter time at RSEA Park, according to AFL.com.au.
It’s unclear what the boss said, but the person allegedly made fun of the striker’s appearance.
She was seen briefly chatting with the referees on the field during the break, before being consoled by Breanna Koenen and Shannon Campbell.
It is understood that the boss was identified and promptly ejected from the ground. Brisbane women’s football director Breeanna Brock and head coach Craig Starcevich spoke to officials after the match.
“The club was made aware of an incident between a customer and Dakota Davidson during the match against St Kilda yesterday,” Brisbane said in a statement after the match.
“The club would like to thank the match director, St Kilda players, staff and fans as well as venue security who dealt with the incident. The matter has been referred to the AFL Integrity unit.” .
Davidson, who kicked one goal and one goal during the match, has previously spoken out against the abuse he received online for his appearance.
She had been attacked by online trolls after the 2023 AFLW Grand Final, a game in which she proved to be a pivotal player, helping the Lions to a 17-point win over North Melbourne.
AFLW star Dakota Davidson was subjected to abuse from fans during Brisbane’s win against St Kilda on Sunday.
A spectator is alleged to have made a comment relating to Davidson’s appearance, and the AFL Integrity Unit is now investigating the matter.
“I obviously had a lot of success on Grand Final day and I think one of my photos made the cover of a news article,” Davidson told the Keegan and Company Podcast.
‘I looked through the comments and it was all: ‘He’s the best there is,’ ‘He beat them the game,’ and ‘good for him.’
And he added: ‘I have done many things. And it wasn’t just that game. It’s in every game and it gets annoying. I get over it.
‘I’m really proud of how I look, how I present myself and who I am.
‘And now I have games and I go out of my way to point out the girls with short hair because I know they look like (me and them) like ‘Dax has short hair, I can have short hair too’ and I love that.’
The AFL has also moved to increase penalties for fans guilty of defamation from three years to a lifetime ban.
The move came last year after several male and female players were subjected to abuse inside stadiums and on social media.
The AFL has also appointed a specialist officer to investigate defamation cases from the elite level of the game to club football.
“We have been clear, there is absolutely no place for this behavior in our sport and in society in general and we want people to know that if they behave in this way, they will not be welcome in football again,” said the general manager. AFL executive. for inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch said last year.
Davidson’s teammates and coaches joined her, and the two-time premiership winner scored a goal and a goal in the match.
Davidson enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, scoring 23 goals in 12 appearances for the Lions and was named in the All-Australian squad for the first time in her career.
This season, Davidson has 10 goals in nine games, having battled concussion issues and illnesses this season.
