Sydney Swans take stand as unacceptable problem continues to grow

The Sydney Swans have taken a massive step to address one of the sport’s biggest issues, which has seen several stars overcome with emotion.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Swans captain Callum Mills speaks to teammates in a huddle during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground, on September 07, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Sydney Swans have moved to address online abuse directed at AFLW stars with a moving video shared on social media.

In a bid to try and combat the massive issue, the Swans released a powerful video, in which several of their men’s players read out abusive comments about the AFLW and its stars.

“For International Women’s Day this year, we asked our men’s players to read comments left for women’s players on social media,” the club captioned the post published on International Women’s Day.

Watch your club in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.

Comments such as “I don’t count the women’s team as part of my club, they could fall for all I care,” and “Stop pretending this is a professional sport” were screenshot, with players asked to react to them.

And the overwhelming reaction from Brodie Grundy, James Rowbottom and Will Hayward was one of dismay and disgust.

“I suppose when I read that, it’s interesting … ‘my club’ … that ownership or that entitlement around [calling it] ‘my club’,” Grundy noted.

“Yes, we love our fans and love our members. But we are one club and everyone belongs. Particularly our AFLW program, it’s a well-run program and makes up a big part of what makes the Sydney Swans so special.

“I know as a men’s player who’s been in the league for a very long time, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from their professionalism and the way they show up in the workplace.”

“ … When it says, ‘I don’t count the women’s team as part of my club’, that’s just not the way we roll anymore. This is a new age and new era and everyone belongs at the Sydney Swans.”

While Rowbottom admitted the hate comments “hit close to home” with his younger sister in the AFLW.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Swans captain Callum Mills speaks to teammates in a huddle during the AFL First Qualifying Final match between Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Sydney Cricket Ground, on September 07, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“Pretty awful. It hits pretty close to home because my sister plays AFLW,” he said.

“I can’t imagine (such comments) being made towards my sister, which doesn’t sit too well for me.”

Hayward was equally disgusted, noting many Swans AWLW players also are studying or have other jobs to supplement their wages.

“What I can say is that these girls are in the club probably in the club more than we are. A large majority of them work on top of doing this or go to uni. The amount of hours they put into their craft is remarkable,” he said.

“It actually makes us better as a club. We’re starting pre-season on our holidays and they’re always here. It’s amazing the amount of effort they put in.

“Comments like that are not good for anyone and you’re not helping anyone with that sort of stuff.”

As the video spread across social media, many were quick to applaud the Swans for taking a stance.

North Queensland Cowboys NRLW captain Kirra Dibb wrote: “This is incredible.’”

While NRLW star Jessica Sergis also commented: “I love this.”

Another fan wrote: “Well said boys … So proud to be a Swans supporter,’ another wrote adding multiple white and red love heart emojis