AFL Barwon yet to form an official stance on North Shore footballer’s playing future

AFL Barwon has commented publicly for the first time following revelations a GFNL player – accused of more than 30 domestic violence-related offences – played on Saturday.

North Shore’s Joseph Salmon attempts to tackle Newtown & Chilwell’s Will O’Dwyer. Picture: Mark Wilson

UPDATE

Geelong football peak body AFL Barwon is yet to form an official stance on North Shore footballer and DV-accused Joseph Salmon playing in the GFNL, more than six months after allegations of more than 30 offences were first aired by this publication.

This publication revealed on September 1 last year Salmon had been charged with 44 offences in total, appeared in Darwin Local Court on August 24, was bailed and then played for the Seagulls two days later against Lara.

AFL Barwon had discussions with the club following the revelations but remains tight-lipped about the result of those talks.

However, six months on, Salmon played again for North Shore in its opening fixture of the GFNL season against Newtown & Chilwell.

This publication is aware of two Geelong football clubs who would not have allowed the Territory product to play on Saturday.

Speaking to this publication, AFL Barwon regional manager Ed Wilson said the peak body was still considering its options with the star Northern Territory product.

“For us at the moment we are very much understanding what has transpired and making sure that we do what is best from our lens as an organisation to address the matter at hand,” Wilson said.

“At the moment we are very much trying to understand the matter at hand and determine the best way to address it.

North Shore’s Joseph Salmon attempts to tackle Newtown & Chilwell player Will O’Dwyer in their opening GFNL fixture at Elderslie Reserve. Picture: Mark Wilson

“Noting what has transpired on the weekend, we are looking to understand what has happened and then address the matter accordingly.”

When asked if the matter had been taken out of AFL Barwon’s hands to AFL Victoria, Wilson would only say discussions remained ongoing.

“Certainly many streams of engagement taking place at the moment across the club as well as the AFL to determine the best way to address this matter,” he said.

Essendon ripped up Salmon’s VFL contract upon hearing of allegations against Salmon early last year while his former NT club, St Mary’s, also distanced itself from its former star.

Wilson said it was “public knowledge” North Shore was “engaged” by AFL Barwon after the revelations were aired by this publication.

The AFL must approve any stand down request and only if it involves serious criminal charges.

AFL Victoria was sought for comment earlier this week, asked whether Salmon’s alleged offending qualified as serious criminal charges.

White Ribbon Australia says it is “appalling” North Shore recruit and DV-accused Joseph Salmon played in season opener

The nation’s top advocacy group for preventing violence against women says it is “appalling” a North Shore footballer was allowed to play on Saturday despite being charged with more than 30 domestic violence-related offences.

Joseph Salmon, who sparked outrage last year when he took to the field for North Shore in the GFNL, has again suited up for the club despite the allegations, playing in its season-opening clash against Newtown & Chilwell.

The club has so far refused to comment and both Geelong’s footballing peak body and AFL Victoria remain tight-lipped about the playing future of Mr Salmon.

This publication revealed last year Mr Salmon played for the Seagulls in the final round of the GFNL against Lara just two days after appearing in Darwin Local Court.

Mr Salmon was arrested and charged with 44 offences on August 21, appeared in court on August 24, before being bailed and then appearing for the Seagulls against the Cats that weekend.

The alleged offending took place between October 6, 2022 and January 11, 2023 with an alleged attack on January 1 referred to as “particularly serious” by the prosecution in court.

Mr Salmon allegedly punched his partner in the stomach causing immediate and ongoing stomach pain until January 11 when she was taken to hospital in need of surgical intervention and a blood transfusion for a ruptured fallopian tube.

Joseph Salmon played for North Shore against Newtown & Chilwell on Saturday. Picture: Mark Wilson

However, more than six months later, Mr Salmon played again for the Seagulls in their opening, stand-alone fixture against Newtown & Chilwell on Saturday.

This publication knows of at least one GFL club which privately says Mr Salmon would not be welcome following his alleged offending.

In a statement to this publication, White Ribbon Australia chief executive Melissa Perry said it was “appalling” to allow Mr Salmon to play football amid an ongoing court hearing.

“As we stated last year, allowing a man to play football while he is currently facing 30 domestic violence charges sends an appalling message, not only to his AFL Barwon teammates, but also across women’s (footy), the club’s netball team, and the growing number of boys and girls with ambitions to play the game at the highest level,” Ms Perry said.

“Women and girls should have the right to train, play and mix with their male colleagues in an environment that’s inclusive, safe and respectful.”

In a previous statement in November, AFL Victoria manager Nick Hulett said the AFL had to approve any stand down of a player based on serious criminal offences.

“Generally, a person will only be stood down in the most serious of circumstances and the AFL must consent to any proposed stand down.” the league’s national community football policy handbook states.

North Shore footballer Joseph Salmon is due back in court next month. Picture: Mark Wilson

Both AFL Barwon and AFL Victoria have been contacted for further comment following Mr Salmon’s appearance on Saturday and White Ribbon’s comments.

After being presented with White Ribbon’s initial comments in December, saying it sent a “poor message” Mr Salmon was allowed to play against Lara, AFL Barwon reiterated it was not aware at the time Mr Salmon had been charged and had not received any complaints.

“Any complaints made are taken very seriously and appropriate action taken,” the peak body said.

Joseph Salmon was a star player with St Mary’s in the NTFL. Picture: Glenn Campbell

In September, it stated it would not comment further as the matter was before the courts but was working with North Shore.

“If we have further information to share, we’ll be sure to reach out,” it said.

Mr Salmon’s former club in the Territory, St Mary’s said on Facebook at the time it took the allegations “very seriously” and had distanced itself from its ex-player.

This publication also revealed Essendon Football Club also terminated his VFL contract after allegations first came to light early last year.

North Shore Football Club was contacted for comment.

Originally published as AFL Barwon yet to form an official stance on North Shore footballer’s playing future