‘Public relations mess’: Footy journalist slams AFLW’s ‘badly botched’ Queen tribute

Veteran footy journalist Caroline Wilson has blasted the AFL’s decision to abandon honouring the late monarch before AFLW matches.

Veteran footy journalist Caroline Wilson has blasted the AFL’s decision to abandon honouring Queen Elizabeth II with a minute’s silence before AFLW matches this weekend, which she branded a “public relations mess”.

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

The women’s league did observe a minute’s silence before the opening game of the round before ultimately pulling the pin on honouring the Queen, a move that left many questioning why.

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However, the AFL refused to comment on its decision to backflip on the minute’s silence when contacted by The Herald Sun on Monday.

“The AFL badly botched the tribute to Queen Elizabeth, where its women’s competition was concerned,” Wilson told Channel 9’s Footy Classified on Monday evening.

“At Friday night’s Bulldogs-Fremantle clash, the pre-game one-minute silence for the late monarch did not sit comfortably for some of Australia’s First Peoples, given as it followed so immediately after the Acknowledgment of Country, to open the AFLW Indigenous Round.

“So the remaining one-minute silences were scrapped for the rest of the women’s round, a move which in turn incensed a number of football supporters and became a headline by Saturday morning.

“Not only did it take away from a moving and stirring tribute at the MCG on Friday night for the men’s semi-final, but it turned a tide of public opinion against the women footballers, unfairly.

“It was divisive and it needn’t have happened.

“Why the AFL boss or bosses who made this call didn’t take into account the sensitivities of the women’s Indigenous Round and only hold the one-minute silence for the men’s competition in the first place is beyond me.

“It was a public relations mess, and it was upsetting for many people on both sides.

“No wonder no one has put their hand up to take responsibility.”

Western Bulldogs players line up before the round three AFLW match against the Fremantle Dockers at Ikon Park. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Co-host Craig Hutchison thought Wilson’s comments were “a little unfair”, pointing out that “it’s a very difficult and sensitive cultural issue”.

“It was an unexpected passing, and there was a lot going in a short period of time to work through,” he said.

But Wilson responded: “It was Indigenous Round. I think very quickly it would have been obvious that this was not appropriate for some people.

“By doing it, it’s upset people on both sides.”

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”.

“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 News Corp.

Players observe a minute’s silence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The men’s competition paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II with a beautiful gesture moments before the Melbourne-Brisbane 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.