‘Absolutely pathetic’: AFL slammed after refusing to observe minute’s silence for Queen

The AFL women’s competition backflipped on plans to honour the Queen with a minute’s silence before its games this weekend.

Players stand for a minute silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during the AFL First Semifinal match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Fremantle Dockers on Saturday night. AFLW chose not to follow suit. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The AFL women’s competition has opted not to honour the Queen with a minute’s silence before its matches this weekend despite angry backlash to the move.

Her Majesty’s passing was acknowledged before the men’s semi-finals on Friday and Saturday nights but the AFLW backflipped on a plan to follow suit because it is celebrating Indigenous Round.

The women’s league did observe a minute’s silence before its opening game of the round, a Friday night clash between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle.

But the Bulldogs said it was “insensitive” and supported the league’s decision to abandon the ceremony for the remaining eight games.

Bulldogs director Belinda Duarte said the minute’s silence “imposed a reflection on the impact of (The Queen’s) life and reign” and “unearthed deep wounds”.

Belinda Duarte speaks before the round three AFLW match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Ikon Park on September 09. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“While for many Australians it’s seen as appropriate to recognise the significance of the Queen’s passing, we must understand what this brings up for First Peoples, the impact of colonisation and what the monarchy represents to us and our families,” the Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung woman said.

But many – including Indigenous elder Ian Hunter – thought the decision was wrong.

“It is totally disrespectful to our country who is a part of the British colony, disrespectful, that’s what I’d say,” Hunter told the Herald Sun.

Herald Sun columnist Rita Panahi described the move as “absolutely pathetic” while Derryn Hinch said it was “an insult to their sport”.

The AFLW not observing a minute’s silence last night to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II is an insult to their sport, to Her Majesty’s memory, in fact, to Australia. And all because it was Indigenous Week. That’ll help The Voice campaign. Not.

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) September 9, 2022

Not honouring QEII, one of the greatest women in history, with a minute's silence before today's game says all you need to know about AFLW.

— Fred Pawle (@FredPawle) September 10, 2022

Ok - so AFLW is not going to do a moments silence. Disrespectful, yes. Woke, sure. But since almost no one attends the games does it matter?

Seriously does anyone actually care about AFLW? Ticket sales would indicate not.

— James Newburrie - disappointed in Rocksmith+ songs (@DifficultNerd) September 10, 2022

I went to an AFLW game at the SCG this afternoon. Interesting that there was no acknowledgment of the Queen whatsoever. No minute's silence, nothing. Two flags flew above the Members Stand at half mast. Three didn't. I'm so confused.

— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) September 10, 2022

The men’s competition paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II with a beautiful gesture moments before the semi final at the MCG.

After players from both the Lions and Demons lined up for the Welcome to Country, a minute’s silence was observed for the late monarch who sadly passed at the age of 96.

The announcer at the ground asked patrons to remain upstanding “to remember her majesty, Queen Elizabeth the second”.

“May she rest in peace,” the announcer said.

Flags were flown at half mast for the match while the MCG was flooded in purple light – the colour of royalty.

Flowers were also placed in between the two teams.

A beautiful photo tribute was visible on the big screen before an instrumental version of God Save the Queen rang out at the MCG.

– with foxsports.com.au