AFLW star is left in tears by a fan’s remark that was so foul the league has stepped in to investigate

The AFL’s Integrity Unit is investigating reports of crowd abuse directed towards Brisbane forward Dakota Davidson during her side’s win against St Kilda on Sunday.

The 25-year-old had been left in tears after a spectator heckled her just before three-quarter time at the RSEA Park, according to AFL.com.au.

It is unclear what the patron had said but the person is alleged to have mocked the forward’s appearance.

She was seen briefly chatting to the on-field umpires during the break, before being consoled by Breanna Koenen and Shannon Campbell.

It is understood that the patron was identified and promptly ejected from the ground. Brisbane’s head of women’s football Breeanna Brock and head coach Craig Starcevich spoke to officials following the game.

‘The club was made aware of an incident between a patron and Dakota Davidson during the match against St Kilda yesterday,’ Brisbane said in a statement following the match.

‘The club would like to thank the match manager, St Kilda players, staff and fans along with the security at the venue who dealt with the incident, the matter has been referred to the AFL Integrity unit.’

Davidson, who kicked a goal and a behind during the match, has previously spoken out against abuse she has received online for her appearance. 

She had been targeted by online trolls following the 2023 AFLW Grand Final – a game in which she proved to be a pivotal player, helping the Lions secure a 17-point win over North Melbourne.

A spectator is alleged to have made a comment relating to Davidson’s appearance, with the AFL’s Integrity Unit now investigating the matter  

‘I obviously had a lot of success on the Grand Final Day and I think one of my photos was the front cover of a news article,’ Davidson told the Keegan and Company Podcast.

‘I scrolled through the comments and it was all: “He’s the best one out there’”, “He won them the game” and “good on him”.’

She added: ‘I’ve just copped a lot. And it wasn’t just that game. It’s every game and it just gets annoying. I get over it.

‘I am really proud of how I look and how I present myself and who I am.

‘And now, I have games and I make an effort to point out girls with short hair because I know that they seem [me and they’re like “Dax has short hair, I can have short hair too” and I love that.’

The AFL has also moved to increase sanctions to fans guilty of vilification from three years to a lifetime ban.

The move came last year after a number of players across both the men’s and women’s game became the subject from abuse inside stadiums and on social media.

The AFL has also appointed a specialist officer to investigate vilification cases from the elite level of the game right down to club footy.

‘We have been clear, there is absolutely no place for this behaviour in our sport and in society in general and we want people to know that if they behave in this way, they are not welcome at the footy again,’ AFL executive general manager for inclusion and social policy, Tanya Hosch said last year.

Davidson’s team-mates and coaches rallied round her, with the twwo-time premiership winner going on to kick a goal and a behind in the match

Davidson enjoyed a standout season in 2023, kicking 23 goals in 12 appearances for the Lions and was named in the All-Australian team for the first time in her career.

This season, Davidson has 10 goals from nine games, having battled concussion and illness concerns this season.