Exactly what does a footballer have to do before clubs go ‘yeah na’ to signing them.
It feels like every week, violent men are welcomed into the footy fold regardless of the brutality they’ve subjected their partners to.
This week it’s Jerilderie Football Netball Club turn to sign a thug to its playing roster – and also to brag about the signing across social media. I mean – the least they can do is shut the fuck up.
Brodie A’Vard headbutted his former partner in 2022, knocking her unconscious.
The attack on the victim was so bad she also suffered severe bruising and needed stiches.
Now he’s been signed to play with Jerilderie in 2027.
The decision has caused concern and fear amongst female players but the club, in all its wisdom, has decided allowing a DV thug onto the field is more important that the concerns of women.
A’Vard was fined $1200 for the assault while charges of recklessly causing injury and property damage were recorded without conviction.
“From his abuse it has caused me to feel fear, guilt, shame, embarrassment, self-doubt, insecurity, powerlessness and betrayal,” the victim said.
“And although some of the physical wounds may heal, I continue to suffer emotionally, and this will have a lasting impact on my quality of life.”
A’Vard was also convicted and fined after he bashed a man at a pub.
Football clubs really are shit at taking the gendered violence epidemic seriously.
We’ve lost 57 women to violence this year and almost all were killed by men known to them.
Domestic violence rates are increasing with thousands of women and girls harmed everyday.
Clubs like Jerilderie should be drawing the line in the sand – they should never sign a man who has a history of violence. Period.
Every time a thug like A’Vard runs onto the field, it’s saying to boys and men you can do whatever you want to women and still be placed on a pedestal.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PERP BRODIE A’VARD TO PLAY WITH JERILDERIE FNC
