A professional footballer has launched a powerful rebuke against two Australian Rules legends, arguing that their public dismissal of the women's competition fosters a culture of disrespect that can lead to violence against women.
Brown's Instagram Clapback Goes Viral
Mitch Brown, who publicly came out as bisexual in August, took to his Instagram story on Wednesday to share a clip from the 'Footy Conversations' segment. The clip featured Geelong Cats icon Sam Newman and dual premiership winner Wayne Carey discussing the recent AFL Women's Grand Final.
The grand final, which saw North Melbourne defeat Brisbane in front of a sell-out crowd at Melbourne's Ikon Park, was labelled a "marginal sport that no one is watching" by Newman. When Carey joked he might struggle to get a ticket, Newman doubled down, calling the league "ridiculous" and claiming it was "failing and loses $50 million a year."
Brown posted the vision with a clear message for his followers. "These attitudes and beliefs are so harmful," he wrote. "Violence against women starts with disrespect."
A Pattern of Calling Out Problematic Behaviour
This is not the first time Brown has used his platform to challenge attitudes within the football community. In September, he called out Geelong stars Bailey Smith and Patrick Dangerfield for what he described as 'homophobic' Mad Monday antics.
Smith had dressed as a character from 'Legends of the Fall' and posted a photo with a 'Brokeback Mountain' reference, holding hands with Dangerfield who was dressed as a cowboy. The caption read: "This is what losing a granny (Grand Final) does to ya."
Brown responded swiftly on Instagram, stating: "In all seriousness though, guys do better. Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn't make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser."
The fallout from that incident was significant. Geelong later announced the end of Mad Monday events at the club. Brown, however, faced severe backlash, later confirming he had received death threats from angry fans.
Repercussions and a Broader Conversation
The Daily Mail has noted it is not suggesting Carey or Newman support violence against women. Both men were approached for comment regarding Brown's latest remarks.
Brown's intervention highlights an ongoing, tense conversation about respect, inclusion, and the consequences of public commentary in sport. By directly linking derogatory comments about the women's league to wider societal issues of gender-based violence, he has positioned the debate as one with serious real-world implications beyond the boundary line.
