AFL heartbreak: Footy couples who called it quits
It’s been a difficult year for AFL players and their partners, with some footy relationships breaking down before the final siren.
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It was a difficult time in 2020 for AFL players living in hubs and navigating Covid.
For some 2021 has also been tough when it comes to relationships. Here are a few of the recent high profile footy couples to have called it quits.
AMIE AND GARY ROHAN
Geelong forward Gary and Instagram influencer Amie were high school sweethearts who married in 2016. Gary flew solo to the hub in Queensland and it later emerged he had struck up a romance with physiotherapist Madi Bennett. The couple who settled down the coast share two young daughters, Bella and Sadie. Two years ago in April 2018 they lost Bella’s twin Willow who passed away five hours after she was born. In November, Amie uploaded a cryptic Instagram post about ‘being strong’ despite the ‘actions of another’. Gary has since posted a picture with Bennett with his daughters and while marking his 150th match.
JESS DOVER AND JARED PETRENKO
In a touching Instagram post on Mother’s Day beauty queen hopeful Dover confirmed her romance with Petrenko was over. The glamour couple and former House Rules contestants have a 10-month-old son Sebastian and parted ways earlier this year. A model who is signed to Melbourne model agency, The Talent Buro, Dover also works as a primary school teacher. The couple were part of Channel 7’s renovation series in 2018 and had been together for two years before joining the reality show. Petrenko played 76 games for the Adelaide Football Club between 2008 and 2014 and had played in the SANFL.
HANNAH DAVIS AND TOM MITCHELL
The glamour couple quietly separated last year after the loved-up pair were the toast of the 2018 Brownlow count when Mitchell prevailed. The Hawks midfielder paid tribute to pilates instructor Davis for her support and for helping spark change in his diet. She has since moved to Byron Bay. In the telltale modern sign the split is official, Davis and Mitchell no longer follow each other on Instagram.
LUCY BROWNLESS AND PADDY MCCARTIN
Brownless, the eldest daughter of former Geelong star Billy Brownless and ex-wife Nicky, and former St Kilda forward McCartin had been together for almost four years before quietly separating. Concussion-prone McCartin is still hoping to revive his AFL career and moved to Sydney in his ongoing bid to return, while Brownless has now settled in Byron Bay and just qualified as a yoga teacher. Last year Brownless spoke of how McCartin, the former no.1 draft pick, had been an inspiration to her as he sought to make a comeback.
MELISSA AND BRAD SEYMOUR
The 20-year marriage between former Sydney Swans player Brad Seymour and his wife Melissa was confirmed to be over by the mum of two on Instagram. “So, I wish I had had the time to tell my friends directly, but this article came out this morning and kinds blew the lid off those plans,” Melissa wrote. “The headline is all you need to know — Brad and I are separated and as the article says, I’m pretty shocked to say the least. The kids are OK with it (as much as possible) and getting more used to it day by day. They remain the central focus in moving forward.” Melissa, who authored the book Girl’s Guide to Turning Your Idea into a Business, married Brad in 2001.
EMILY MCKAY AND MAJAK DAW
It emerged in December that the former North Melbourne star split from McKay. The pair share a one-year-old son Hendrix (turns two in August) and have always made him their priority. It was a rollercoaster year for Daw, who made a remarkable comeback to the AFL in August by playing his first senior match since 2018. He returned to AFL action in a pre-season match and then re-emerged in season 2020 while in the Queensland hub. He was since one of 11 players delisted by the Kangaroos and was picked up by Melbourne. McKay’s Spray Aus business continues to grow.
HANNAH ORVAL AND CAMERON ZURHAAR
After calling it quits, Orval wasted no time in pointing out how quickly Zurhaar moved on from their split. The North Melbourne forward and Orval, a fashion influencer, had dated for about a year and she noted how soon he had re-entered the dating scene. “For all the girls messaging me overnight with photos etc … myself and Cam split up just a couple of days ago!!,” she posted. “Thanks for all your support and letting me know just in case etc. It’s nice to see that he’s moved on so nice and quick.” Orval is the daughter of former Collingwood player Mark Orval, who has become known as “Angry Dad” with children Hannah, Dylan and Mitchell.
TANIA AND NATHAN BUCKLEY
Outgoing Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and wife Tania announced they called it quits last December. Confirmation of their long-rumoured separation was made with a statement posted by both on Instagram, saying they had parted ways 11 months prior after 18 years of marriage. The parents of two boys first came to prominence when they stepped at the Brownlow Medal, and seemingly had a marriage that would stand the test of time. Buckley is now dating cosmetic nurse and mum of three, Alex Pike.
DANIELLE AND DAMIEN HARDWICK
It came as a shock that Danielle, often referred to as Mrs Hardwick, and the Tigers coach had separated. The couple have three adult children and were much loved within the footy club. It emerged soon after that Hardwick was in a new relationship with younger Tigers staffer Alexandra Crow. The pair were seen in public for the first time at the start of March, walking with their dog in Elwood.
MAGGIE AND SIMON GOODWIN
The Demons coach and his long-time sweetheart became the third AFL couple in coaching ranks to separate, following Buckley and Hardwick. Goodwin, a two-time Adelaide Crows premiership player, and Maggie were married in 2005 and have three children. It’s believed they separated towards the end of 2020. In a previous interview Goodwin had paid tribute to Maggie’s support since they were aged 19.
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