Cultural overhaul needed among AFL players, women say

A group of women accusing Jonathon Patton of lewd behaviour say he’s not the only player who sent inappropriate messages.

Hawthorn forward Jonathon Patton has been stood down by the club as it investigates claims he shared lewd images with women.

It comes as a growing number of women have detailed what they say was inappropriate behaviour by Patton and called for a cultural overhaul among AFL players.

The Hawks player has been suspended from all commitments with the club until a probe into his alleged behaviour is completed.

Patton was a notable absentee from Hawks training on Monday and the club later confirmed he had been sidelined.

“Hawthorn Football Club has stood down Jonathon Patton from all club commitments until the completion of its investigation into allegations of Patton’s inappropriate behaviour on social media,’’ it said in a statement.

“The club’s integrity committee met this afternoon and will continue to ascertain all relevant information.’’

At least four women have accused Patton of sending them lewd messages, images and videos.

Jonathon Patton moved to Hawthorn from GWS at the end of 2019. Picture: Getty Images

Patton on the bench with an injury during the Hawks’ clash with Collingwood in 2020. Picture: Phil Hillyard

One Melbourne woman told the Herald Sun on Sunday that she started speaking to Patton in February last year after matching on a dating app and exchanged numbers a short time later.

At least seven women have now come forward with claims against the Hawk.

One Melbourne woman, who said Patton sent her lewd and inappropriate messages, posted a poll on Instagram asking if others had similar experiences.

“I thought it would be bad, but I didn’t realise how many people had been affected,’’ she said. “I feel like footballers get away with this and it needs to stop. I’ve spoken to at least 10 others directly who have shared similar experiences of being sent random photos, inappropriate messages and videos of w...ing.

“In that culture (of AFL) they turn a blind eye to it.”

Another girl, Megan, said Patton was contacting her before his former club, Greater Western Sydney, played in the 2019 Grand Final, as did others in the team.

“It’s almost like the norm and it might not stop until someone is made an example of,’’ Megan said.

“(Patton) sent me a naked picture and I called him out and said the club wouldn’t be impressed. He used to try to Facetime me, it was just random and out of the blue. I didn’t reply to him.”

Elle Coonan said she had received awful messages from others slut shaming her for speaking out about her experience with Patton on Sunday.

“I want to be the voice for women who are too scared to speak up,’’ she said.

“It’s the culture of Australian football and there’s strength in numbers. A lot of people have come forward and a lot of people ask why didn’t I speak up earlier, but it’s hard. You don’t know who else has experienced it.”

Elle Coonan. Image: Nine News

Jacqueline Kearton. Image: Seven News

Jacqueline Kearton on Monday contacted Hawthorn to report her experiences with Patton, which she said included receiving inappropriate pictures and videos.

“When this girl who made the allegation was called a liar and victim blamed, I thought well she’s not the only one,’’ Kearton said. “He was dumb enough to do it with a wide range of people. It shouldn’t be happening, it’s unacceptable.”

Another girl, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Patton sent crude sexual innuendos over messages but that it was not unusual behaviour among AFL players.

“We’ve had a few run-ins with Collingwood boys and the North Melbourne boys have a shocking record,’’ she said.

“The footy boys think they’re untouchable. I’m speaking out now because one girl got sick of it. All the mental health programs are great but maybe they need to do more regarding women.”

Originally published as Cultural overhaul needed among AFL players, women say