Brisbane Lions forward Dakota Davidson has bravely shared her experience of receiving ongoing gender-based and transphobic abuse, despite being a cisgender woman. The incident occurred during a recent match against St. Kilda when Davidson was visibly upset after verbal attacks from a member of the crowd. Her emotional reaction was witnessed by teammates Breanna Koenen and Shannon Campbell, who comforted her during the distressing moment. The AFL Integrity Unit is now investigating the situation, which saw the abuser removed from the venue shortly after the incident, although the exact nature of the comments remains unclear. Reports suggest the abuse focused on Davidson’s body image.
This incident is not the first time Davidson has been targeted. In a candid conversation on the Keegan and Company podcast, she expressed her frustration over the constant body-shaming and gendered comments she faces due to her short hair and athletic physique. These types of remarks have escalated in frequency, particularly after her appearance on the cover of Herald Sun. Davidson revealed that she often encounters comments that question her femininity or incorrectly refer to her as male. The constant abuse has taken an emotional toll, as she explained, “It’s frustrating because I’m proud of how I look and who I am.” Despite the hurtful comments, she tries to use her visibility to inspire young girls with short hair, showing them that it’s okay to embrace their unique look.
The AFLW community has rallied around Davidson, with former players like Kate McCarthy speaking out against the vile comments directed at athletes. McCarthy emphasized the importance of standing up to homophobic, racist, and sexist remarks, saying, “Our AFLW athletes do not deserve this treatment.” She also highlighted the broader issue of vilification that has affected multiple players this season. The outpouring of support from teammates, coaches, and former players showcases the strong community within the AFLW, which continues to push for a more inclusive and respectful environment for all athletes, regardless of gender or identity.
Chloe Kurdas, a former AFLW player and advocate for inclusivity, also weighed in, urging the league to use these incidents as opportunities to set a positive example for future generations. Kurdas stressed the importance of celebrating the diversity present in the AFLW and fostering an environment where players of all backgrounds—across identity, culture, and expression—are embraced and celebrated. This sentiment is particularly important in a time when toxic online abuse continues to be rampant, not just in Australian football but in global sports.
The issue of transphobic abuse in women’s sports is also widespread. In a similar vein, Richmond AFLW player Kate Dempsey faced homophobic comments during Pride Round, sparking a wider conversation about the need for better moderation and stronger consequences for such abuse. The AFL has apologized for not doing enough to prevent this kind of behavior and has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards homophobia. With athletes like Davidson continuing to share their stories, there is hope that these important conversations will lead to lasting change both on and off the field.