AFL defends itself against racism class action, faces criticism from plaintiff Phil Krakouer
“The AFL has an opportunity to lead with the way it conducts its defence. We continue to invite Andrew Dillion to engage in discussions of realistic solutions and to meaningfully listen and understand our customers’ experiences of racism in the game and the lasting harm it causes them and their families.”
The AFL continued its defense in a statement on Friday, saying it would “continue to work” on class action and supported working against racism and discrimination at all levels of the game.
Nicky Winmar spoke out against racism.Credit: ABC
““The AFL respects and values everyone in our game and continually works to develop and promote football environments that reflect this respect and maintain standards that do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”
“By law, we are privileged to have hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players playing our game. “We fully accept that there has been racism in Australian football throughout the game’s long history and that players have been marginalized, hurt or discriminated against because of their race, and we have apologized for that, continue to apologize, and will continue to take action to repair that harm.
“We disagree with Margalit Lawyers’ claims that the VFL/AFL has been run negligently over the last 47 years and will defend these claims.”
However, Phil Krakouer criticized the league’s response.
“The AFL’s defense is hurting,” he said on Friday.
“We couldn’t defend ourselves against racism in the AFL. We were in an impossible situation; if we fought back we were often reported and suspended. The AFL could have done something but they chose not to.”
The class-action lawsuit names former St Kilda and Western Bulldogs star Winmar and former North Melbourne star Krakouer as lead plaintiffs. It also features Krakouer’s brother, James Krakouer.
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They are among a group Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VFL and AFL players They are seeking compensation for the racist abuse they suffered during their football careers. Those claiming injury, loss and damage claim the AFL has failed to provide a culturally safe environment, leaving them vulnerable to racist abuse from spectators and opposing players.
To be included in the class action, a player must have been involved in the then VFL and now the AFL from May 1980 to 9 October 2025 and must self-identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Supreme Court ruled that judicial mediation cannot take place before March 16 next year.
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