Dee Salmin, girlfriend of Collingwood AFL star Darcy Moore, has announced she will not attend the 2026 Brownlow Medal count, citing concerns over the culture within the Australian Football League.
Salmin's decision comes in the wake of allegations of sexual assault involving Sydney Swans players following a post-match event in Melbourne. In a statement on her Substack page, the Triple J presenter expressed that the event "doesn't align with her values" this year. "I can't keep encouraging other people to interrogate the systems they participate in, without being willing to interrogate them myself," she wrote.
She acknowledged that while she loves and respects individuals within the sport, including her partner, the overall culture is not exempt from criticism. Salmin specifically pointed to the AFL's approach to women and gender-based violence, stating, "there needs to be some serious change."
The controversy involves Sydney Swans players Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice, who were suspended by the club for the remainder of the 2026 season. The club determined they breached behavioral standards after a night out that included late-night drinking and inviting women back to their hotel. Swans CEO Matthew Pavlich stated the players fell "well short of what we expect." Victoria Police are also investigating allegations of sexual assault stemming from the incident. The players have denied criminal wrongdoing and drug use.
As a consequence of the scandal, the five players have been banned from the Brownlow Medal count, and their AFL seasons have concluded. The Swans are facing scrutiny regarding the club's culture. The suspended players issued a joint apology, admitting their behavior fell short of club expectations and values.
Salmin, a podcaster and host of Triple J's "The Sunday Hook Up" sex education program, has been in a long-term relationship with Moore since 2023. She had previously attended the Brownlow Medal count.