Dee Salmin Boycotts Brownlow Medal Over AFL’s Handling of Sydney Swans Scandal

Dee Salmin, writer, podcast host and partner of Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, has announced that she will skip next month’s Brownlow Medal ceremony, citing concerns over the AFL’s handling of an alleged sexual assault involving the Sydney Swans.

Salmin said her decision was a personal one, driven by her values and concerns about the culture surrounding women and gender-based violence within Australian football.

“I can’t keep encouraging other people to interrogate the systems they participate in, without being willing to interrogate them myself,” she said.

Salmin stressed that she does not view her decision as a dramatic public gesture. Instead, she described it as a personal choice about whether she feels comfortable participating in an event connected to a sporting system she believes needs to confront serious cultural problems.

Sydney Swans Scandal Sparks Criticism

The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a Melbourne hotel involving members of the Sydney Swans.

Five Swans players were suspended for the remainder of the season after breaching club standards relating to alcohol consumption and bringing women back to their hotel room.

Victoria Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault. No arrests have been made, and the players have denied wrongdoing.

The AFL and the Swans have faced criticism over their initial handling of the matter, with concerns raised about the way the woman involved was treated and the broader culture surrounding the incident.

Salmin’s History With the Brownlow

Salmin has previously attended the Brownlow Medal ceremony and has spoken about enjoying the creativity and fashion associated with the event’s famous red carpet.

Following the 2024 ceremony, she was subjected to online abuse and was labeled a “gonad stealing feminist witch.” Rather than allowing the insult to define her, Salmin later reclaimed the phrase on her social media profile.

Her decision to stay away from this year’s ceremony therefore marks a significant change from her previous involvement with the event.

Darcy Moore’s Role in the Conversation

Salmin’s partner, Darcy Moore, is the captain of Collingwood and a prominent voice on issues surrounding player culture.

Moore also serves as president of the AFL Players’ Association and has previously spoken publicly about toxic male environments.

In a video for Teach Us Consent, he addressed the impact such environments can have, saying: “It’s not serving guys. It’s clearly harming women, profoundly.”

Salmin’s decision to boycott the Brownlow adds another prominent voice to the growing debate over accountability, respect and cultural reform within Australian football.

While she continues to respect individuals within the sport — including her partner — Salmin has made clear that she believes meaningful change requires people to examine the systems they are part of, rather than simply demanding that others do so.