Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide make powerful anti-domestic violence statement in emotional tribute ahead of The Showdown

Footy stars came together on Thursday to say ‘enough is enough’ in the AFL’s strong stand against domestic violence.

Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide presented a united front before the first bounce, with the crowd at the Adelaide Oval observing a moment of silence to remember the women passed over as a result of male-inflicted violence.

The AFL’s gesture has divided the football world, with some fans and major players claiming the move is hollow.

Some have even branded the AFL as hypocritical for appearing to welcome back a player like Tarryn Thomas, who has been found guilty of domestic violence-related conduct.

“Nothing more than hypocritical grandstanding,” one fan wrote on X.

The two football clubs took a strong stand against domestic violence

“Remember, it’s not just Tarryn Thomas who commits violence against women. You have media (Wayne Carey), other current and former players (read Night Games, Milne). There is so much within and around AFL and footy culture. The AFL needs drastic action, not just lights and hugs,” said another.

‘It’s all grand… don’t buy it a second time! Tarryn Thomas is coming back, which is disgusting enough!” wrote another.

“And yet Tarryn Thomas will be back on the list next year and the AFL media will trumpet it on every platform and this will all be just another act of virtue,” a third replied.

Essendon coach Brad Scott believes the troubled star deserves a second chance, but Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel – who experienced and witnessed horrific domestic violence growing up – isn’t so sure.

‘It makes me feel very uncomfortable. I understand the whole premise of forgiveness and opportunity, he has had a number of opportunities with his alleged behaviour,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified show.

“But at some point there has to be a fork in the road because the forgiveness hasn’t worked. The numbers are actually getting worse.

“I was part of a campaign seven years ago where I tried to very visually portray the AFL as a leader, saying no to domestic violence, starting conversations, parents with children. And it’s getting worse.

All nine AFL matches this weekend will highlight the enormous problem of violence against women

“So I understand your premise of the AFL: we can lead, we can rehabilitate, we can be a leader in this area.

“But this whole thing, forgiveness, try again, try again, doesn’t work. So what’s happened in the past… at some point we actually have to go a little bit more in a different direction. I tend to be a little more zero-tolerant than others because that’s personal to me.

“I’m open to all discussions, but I feel incredibly uncomfortable that we have players arm in arm, that another woman dies… I just find it very difficult.”

More to follow.