About 30 minutes after Collingwood claimed another thrilling victory, Magpies coach Craig McRae opened his press conference to declare “enough is enough” as the AFL condemns gender-based violence.
As all 18 AFL clubs will do this weekend, players, coaches and officials from Collingwood and Carlton came together ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster at the MCG to recognize and raise awareness of violence against women .
Before answering reporters’ questions, McRae looked down the barrel of the camera and delivered a passionate and powerful plea.
Adelaide coach Matthews Nicks had started his Thursday night press conference in a similar fashion after the Crows defeated Port Adelaide.
“I’m not here to change the world, I understand my position is to coach the football team, but I will do everything in my power, our power at the Collingwood football club, to make sure our men represent us well.” and good to the community,” McRae said after Collingwood’s 12.13 (85) to 12.7 (79) win on Friday night.
“It’s a community message and I just want us to do our part. Enough is enough.”
McRae was asked if the AFL’s gesture was enough and if the league could be doing more to take a stand.
“They’re all actions, right?” responded the current prime minister’s coach.
“All we can do in Collingwood is be a role model.
“I often talk about that: being a great father, a great husband, giving back to the community and representing ourselves well, but also yourself.
“We’re talking about winning on the scoreboard.
“I don’t like politics, I am interested in being a role model and making our young people feel proud of being young.
“Winning on the scoreboard is one thing, but winning at all levels is really important for the Collingwood football club.”
Carlton coach Michael Voss also spoke passionately in condemning gender-based violence in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
The AFL has also announced a partnership with Our Watch, the non-profit organization focused on the primary prevention of violence against women and their children.
Established in 2016, the Blues have developed a ‘Carlton Respects’ program which aims to encourage equality and respect in schools, workplaces and the wider community.
It comes as clubs openly discuss giving former North Melbourne utility Tarryn Thomas another chance in the AFL next year.
Thomas, 24, has been out of the AFL system since the Kangaroos waived him in February after the league suspended him for 18 games for threatening a woman and other misconduct.
Former Geelong champion and current GWS board member Jimmy Bartel has stated he would be “incredibly uncomfortable” if Thomas was given another chance given the situation in Australia.
The number of women murdered by intimate partners in Australia increased by 28 per cent in the 2022/23 financial year, and 89 per cent of victims of intimate partner homicides were women, according to a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology.
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AAP
