Dee Salmin, a writer and podcast host, announced via her newsletter on Sunday that she will boycott the AFL’s Brownlow Medal ceremony. Salmin, who is the partner of Collingwood captain Darcy Moore, cited a misalignment between the event and her personal values. Her decision follows ongoing public discourse regarding the treatment of women and the broader culture within the AFL, which has been under intense scrutiny following allegations of sexual assault at a Sydney Swans team hotel.

Salmin’s statement highlights a growing tension between high-profile figures in the AFL community and the league’s administration. While she did not explicitly detail every aspect of her grievances, she noted that the past few weeks of reflection on the league's culture led her to the conclusion that her attendance would be inappropriate. The AFL has faced significant pressure to address systemic issues regarding player conduct and institutional accountability. Salmin’s public stance serves as a notable critique from within the inner circle of the sport, drawing attention to the perceived inadequacy of the league's response to recent scandals. As of now, the AFL has not issued a formal response to Salmin’s specific boycott, though the move has sparked wider conversation about the responsibility of partners and public figures in influencing league policy.