Manunda Hawks Football Club has responded to allegations of sexism levelled by a former coach

The FNQ football club at the centre of sexism controversy has issued a statement in response to the allegations. Read their full statement.

Work Safe Sherrin Footy. Weekly Times Football Generic PICTURE: ANDY ROGERS

Manunda Hawks Australian Football Club has responded to allegations of sexism levelled by former coaches and players, saying it “remains committed to supporting all players and teams under the club banner.”

It comes after the Hawks’ women’s football coach Ryan Galea quit his role at the club before ever coaching a senior game for them, citing allegations of “deeply disappointing and unacceptable” treatment of some of his players.

Galea had been set to lead the Hawks’ women’s side for the upcoming 2025 season, having previously coached their under-15s girls side, but revealed in a Facebook post that he had resigned due to a “fundamental difference in values” between himself and other key members of the club.

In the post, Galea alleged that he had been told in a meeting on Tuesday evening that the women’s players “were not up to standard to warrant sufficient funding for the season.”

The post further alleged that a committee member had told one of the players at the meeting “that’s just how it is, the men get everything - be grateful you’re part of the club.”

The post also accused club president Andrew Welsford of telling a collection of members across all senior and junior teams to “ask the hot chick behind the counter at the pizza shop” to sign up to play football for Manunda.

The club’s response

In response to the above allegations made by Galea, Manunda and Welsford issued a statement via Facebook acknowledging that “not all concerns were resolved” at Tuesday’s meeting, but saying they remained committed to supporting all aspects of the club’s supporter base.

“We are committed to working towards a stronger, more united club for all players. Manunda Hawks remain committed to supporting a women’s team and fostering a One Club Culture, where all players, across all levels, feel valued and supported,” the statement read.

“From day one as President, my focus has been on building long-term sustainability for the club, ensuring we are well-

positioned not just for the next season, but well into the future.”

Cairns City Lions v Manunda Hawks preliminary final at Cazalys Stadium. AFLW Cairns 2024. Photo: Gyan-Reece Rocha

The league’s response

Galea’s original post also claimed that he had raised these concerns formally with AFL Cairns but had yet to receive a response after three weeks.

However, this claim has been denied by AFL Cairns General Manager Craig Lees, who said the league has been “actively involved” in the ongoing investigation into these matters.

“We offered to attend Tuesday’s meeting, but that request was declined by the club who said they wanted to resolve this internally,” Lees said.

“We have responded to the complaints made by Ryan, and now that the internal meeting hasn’t resolved the matter, we will now take a more active role in mediating this issue moving forward.”

Manunda Hawks AFC full statement

The MHAFC held a meeting on Tuesday night with the women’s players to discuss concerns that were raised regarding the support and structure of the women’s program.

The club had initially invited representatives from the League to attend, but after consideration, we decided to approach this discussion internally as a club.

The meeting brought forward a range of perspectives, and while we acknowledge that not all concerns were resolved on the

night, we are committed to working towards a stronger, more united club for all players.

Discussions included requests regarding fee structures, funding allocation, and additional oversight of club operations in relation to the women’s program.

Manunda Hawks remain committed to supporting a women’s team and fostering a One Club Culture, where all players,

across all levels, feel valued and supported.

At the meeting, it was explained that the club is still working through its annual budget, with an existing allocation in place for the women’s team.

From day one as President, my focus has been on building long-term sustainability for the club, ensuring we are well-

positioned not just for the next season, but well into the future.

Like many community clubs, we have faced operational challenges, particularly with the loss of key personnel such as Wayne in our operations role, and we are actively seeking a replacement to ensure the continued day-to-day support of the club.

Over the past 40 years, MHAFC has welcomed players from all backgrounds and walks of life.

This year, the club has taken steps to expand its program, including the addition of the women’s team and a new Division 3 side.

While this growth is exciting, it also comes with increased financial and operational pressures, especially given the loss of several sponsors for various reasons.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to supporting all players and teams under the MHAFC banner.

To Ryan and the players who have made the decision to move on, we respect their choice and thank them for their contributions to the club.

As we move forward, our priority remains ensuring all players, across all teams, feel valued and supported as part of the Manunda Hawks family.

Galea’s full statement

Today, I have made the decision to formally resign as coach of the Manunda Hawks Women’s Football Team. This decision has not been made lightly but is due to fundamental differences in values between myself, the club president, and members of the committee.

The treatment of some players during a recent meeting was deeply disappointing and unacceptable. The players were told they were “not up to standard” to warrant sufficient funding for the season. Furthermore, a senior female committee member dismissed player concerns by stating, “That’s just how it is, the men get everything—be grateful you’re part of the club.” This was directed at a player who has represented Australia at the professional level in cricket, which makes the comment even more disrespectful.

Additionally, I was appalled by a comment made by the club president during a meeting involving all teams—men’s, development, women’s, U17 girls, and U15 girls. The president stated, “We need more women players. Ask your sister, ask your cousin, ask the hot chick behind the counter at the pizza shop.” Such remarks are not only inappropriate but reflect a culture that undervalues and disrespects female athletes.

I raised these concerns in a formal email to Craig Lees (General Manager) and Brad Channon (Football Operations Manager) at AFL Cairns. I was advised that an investigation would take place as the behavior did not align with the AFL Cairns charter recently signed. It has now been almost three weeks, and I have received no updates—only silence.

As a result, today the club has lost three veteran players, including two life members: Kareena White, Jennifer “Dyno” Robinson, and Kris Hunt. This is a significant loss for both the club and the league.

It is incredibly disappointing that in 2025, female players and teams are still being treated as second-class. The Manunda Hawks now face the upcoming season without a coach and with only eight players remaining.

I sincerely hope this serves as a wake-up call for the club and the wider league about the need to create an inclusive, respectful, and equal environment for all players.

Via Facebook

Originally published as Manunda Hawks Football Club has responded to allegations of sexism levelled by a former coach