Former St Kilda footballer Stephen Milne has been removed from the 2026 AFL Legends Game following criticism of his selection because of his indecent assault history.
Milne was announced last Thursday as a member of Team Victoria for the fundraising match at Marvel Stadium in August.
The 46-year-old was due to appear alongside Dustin Martin, Campbell Brown, Dyson Heppell, James Harmes, Dale Thomas and Jude Bolton, with Brendan Fevola captaining the side and Joel Selwood coaching.
However, organisers confirmed on Monday that Milne would no longer participate after his inclusion sparked backlash.
‘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 said.
‘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.
Former St Kilda forward Stephen Milne was removed from the 2026 AFL Legends Game following sustained public backlash online. Above, during the Legends game last year
Milne was initially named alongside Dustin Martin and other retired footballers in the Team Victoria line-up last Thursday. Above in 2004
‘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 then-St Kilda teammate Leigh Montagna in 2004.
The Office of Public Prosecutions withdrew three rape charges before Milne entered the 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 said Milne offended after the woman had clearly said no.
Milne was fined $15,000, but no conviction was recorded.
Judge Bourke described the offence as an unplanned and spontaneous physical sexual act that did not involve violence.
‘The evidence is highly persuasive that this offending was out of character,’ Judge Bourke said during sentencing.
‘You have been the subject of public scrutiny and public abuse. Your family has witnessed and been distressed by this.’
Milne played 275 matches and kicked 574 goals during his St Kilda career, which ended after the 2013 season
Milne represented Team Victoria during the 2025 Legends Game and also competed in a special halftime goalkicking competition
Milne’s barrister, Philip Dunn QC, acknowledged at the time that the woman had said no, but argued his client had misread the situation.
‘His recklessness was a misread of the situation,’ Mr Dunn told the court.
The RED HEART Movement, which works with Australian Femicide Watch, was among the groups that urged organisers to remove Milne from the match.
Its founder, Sherele Moody, said his selection should not have been approved.
‘He should never have been platformed to play in the first place,’ Ms Moody told the Herald Sun.
‘It should have been a non starter from the get go. 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.’
A post announcing Milne’s removal attracted hundreds of reactions and comments, with many users welcoming the decision.
Australian Femicide Watch founder Sherele Moody
One commenter, Donna Bennett, said she was pleased that those who contacted organisers appeared to have made an impact.
‘Love your work! I love the thought that I along with many others who took a moment to send a quick concerned message, after reading your initial post, made a difference,’ she wrote.
‘Of course it would be better if it didn’t happen. But BRAVO!!!’
Another commenter, Pat McLaren, called for greater scrutiny of how the AFL and its associated events respond to former players’ misconduct.
‘What a great outcome – let’s dig a little deeper into AFL culture when it comes to excusing blokes behaviour just because they can or could play footy,’ the comment read.
Other users questioned why Milne had been chosen and whether any men had joined the campaign for his removal.
Milne played 275 games and kicked 574 goals for St Kilda between 2001 and 2013. He also represented Team Victoria in the 2025 Legends Game and participated in a halftime goalkicking contest.
The annual exhibition match brings together retired footballers and other personalities to raise money for prostate cancer care and research.
