AFL and AFLW players given access to confidential whistleblower service Stopline

In the wake of a series of major scandals over the past decade, AFL and AFLW players have now been given access to ‘a protected, confidential environment’ to voice their issues.

AFL players have been given access to a confidential whistleblower service that allows the game’s stars to file complaints about mistreatment or any concerns anonymously.

Managers and players were contacted on Friday to advise them the AFLPA Stopline service had been activated and was available to every AFL and AFLW player and their family members.

In an email seen by the Herald Sun, players were urged to use the confidential hotline to report any issues they may have seen or experienced in the AFL industry.

In particular, the document outlined that the service had been set up to deal with matters that “can be difficult to talk openly about” and could be discussed “in a protected, confidential environment”. The memo said the whistleblower service accepted complaints including racism, sexism, vilification, bullying or harassment, physical health such as the management of concussion, mental health and breaches of AFL rules, including illicit drugs.

AFL and AFLW players have been given access to confidential whistleblower service Stopline. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

The Stopline service was launched on the back of feedback from players. It also comes on the back of a series of major scandals at clubs over the past decade, including the Adelaide pre-season camp, the Essendon supplement saga and the Hawthorn racism allegations.

Managers on Friday said the Stopline service was an appropriate response to some serious issues in the game that had threatened some players’ mental and physical wellbeing.

The AFLPA whistleblower service was also open to information about historical matters that may remain a concern to players and their families.

Stopline is an Australian company which specialises in providing integrity services.

The Players’ Association urged their members to use the service if they experience or become aware of anything inappropriate and they “do not feel comfortable speaking with the AFLPA or club directly”.

“All players have the right to a safe workplace in relation to physical, psychological and cultural safety,” the letter said.

“The AFLPA has established this whistleblower service to encourage members to speak up and report issues that they have experienced or witnessed in the AFL industry.

“We have engaged Stopline to assist with the management of the whistleblower service to ensure that the service is independent, confidential and best practice.”

Originally published as AFL and AFLW players given access to confidential whistleblower service Stopline