Former St Kilda footballer Stephen Milne has been removed from the upcoming 2026 AFL Legends Game for Prostate Cancer after his selection sparked public backlash. Organizers confirmed on Monday that Milne would no longer participate in the fundraising match.
Milne was announced last Thursday as a member of Team Victoria for the game, scheduled to be held at Marvel Stadium in August. The 46-year-old was slated to play alongside notable former players such as Dustin Martin, Campbell Brown, Dyson Heppell, James Harmes, Dale Thomas, and Jude Bolton, with Brendan Fevola captaining the side and Joel Selwood coaching.
"By mutual agreement, we can confirm that Stephen Milne will not participate in the 2026 Four'N Twenty Legends Game for Prostate Cancer," a statement released through event partner SEN read. "The Legends Game is an important opportunity to raise funds supporting vital prostate cancer care and research at the Australian Prostate Centre, and all parties agree the focus should remain firmly on that cause and the positive impact it has on the community."
The statement continued, "We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who participates in and attends our events, and want the focus of the day to be on football, fundraising and community impact."
Milne pleaded guilty in 2014 to indecently assaulting a 19-year-old woman at the home of his then-St Kilda teammate Leigh Montagna in 2004. The Office of Public Prosecutions had withdrawn three rape charges before Milne entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge. The Victorian County Court heard the woman believed Milne was Montagna when the assault occurred in a darkened room. Judge Michael Bourke noted that Milne offended after the woman had clearly said no. Milne was fined $15,000, but no conviction was recorded. Judge Bourke described the offense as an unplanned and spontaneous physical sexual act that did not involve violence.
The RED HEART Movement, an organization that works with Australian Femicide Watch, was among the groups that urged organizers to remove Milne from the match. Its founder, Sherele Moody, stated that Milne's selection should not have been approved. "He should never have been platformed to play in the first place," Moody told the Herald Sun. "A big part of the problem are the decision-makers thinking it's appropriate to platform someone like him. But to get them to listen is to hit them where it hurts financially. People keep excusing the bad and abhorrent behaviour of men, most often when they are famous, but you can't end male violence by platforming violent men."
Milne played 275 matches and kicked 574 goals for St Kilda between 2001 and 2013. He previously represented Team Victoria in the 2025 Legends Game and also participated in a halftime goalkicking competition.
The annual exhibition match brings together retired footballers and other personalities to raise money for prostate cancer care and research.