AFLW star is in tears after fan’s comment was so nasty the league has stepped in to investigate

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

The 25-year-old was left in tears after a spectator harassed her just before three-quarter time at RSEA Park, according to reports AFL.com.au.

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

She briefly chatted with the officials on the field during the break before being comforted by Breanna Koenen and Shannon Campbell.

It is understood the patron was identified and immediately ejected. Brisbane head of women’s football Breeanna Brock and head coach Craig Starcevich spoke to officials after the match.

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

“The club would like to thank the match manager, St Kilda players, staff and fans, along with security at the venue who handled the incident. The matter has been referred to the AFL Integrity Unit.”

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

She was targeted by online trolls after the 2023 AFLW Grand Final, a match in which she proved to be a crucial player, helping the Lions secure a 17-point win over North Melbourne.

AFLW star Dakota Davidson was the target of fan abuse during Brisbane’s win against St Kilda on Sunday

An onlooker is said to have made a comment about Davidson’s actions, 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 pictures was the front of a news article,” Davidson told the Keegan and Company Podcast.

‘I was scrolling through the comments and it was all: ‘He’s the best there is’, ‘He won the match’ and ‘good for him’.’

She added, “I’ve just been through a lot. And it wasn’t just that game. It’s every game and it just gets annoying. I’ll get over it.

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

“And now I have games and I do my best to point out girls with short hair because I know they look [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.