Dee Salmin Boycotts Brownlow Over AFL Women's Culture Concerns 2026

Dee Salmin, partner of Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, has announced she will boycott the 2025 Brownlow Medal ceremony, citing the AFL's handling of the Sydney Swans' alleged sexual assault scandal. The writer and podcast host explained in her newsletter that the event no longer aligns with her values, sparking a major conversation about women's safety and culture in Australian football.

Why Dee Salmin is Boycotting the Brownlow

Salmin, who attended the 2024 Brownlow and faced online abuse, revealed her decision on Sunday. She wrote, "I've spent the past few weeks thinking about the important conversations we're having about women and the culture surrounding AFL, and I've realised I can't keep encouraging other people to interrogate the systems they participate in, without being willing to interrogate them myself."

Her statement comes after the Sydney Swans' alleged sexual assault incident at their team hotel, which has drawn widespread criticism over the league's response. Salmin emphasized that her absence isn't about personal recognition but about standing by her principles.

The Backlash and Support

Last year, Salmin was labeled a "gonad stealing feminist witch" by a social media user after appearing at the Brownlow. She has since embraced the phrase, using it in her bio. In her latest post, she acknowledged the complexities: "Of course, there are people within the sport who I love and respect (my partner being one of them), but that doesn't mean the entire culture is above criticism."

Her decision has ignited debate among fans, players, and commentators, with many praising her courage while others question the effectiveness of a boycott.

Brownlow Medal Boycott: Key Facts

What This Means for the AFL

Salmin's boycott is a symbolic act that highlights growing frustration over the AFL's handling of gender-based violence. It puts pressure on the league to take stronger action, not just in words but in policy and culture change.

• Highlights ongoing issues with women's safety in AFL
• Encourages other figures to speak out
• May influence sponsorship and public perception
• Calls for systemic reform in the league

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