The Adelaide Footy League has launched an investigation into deeply disturbing allegations made during a senior women’s match earlier this month.
The claims centre on a runner from a southern suburbs club who allegedly made violent threats toward opposition players during the heated on-field contest.
According to a report from News Corp, the runner was overheard saying, ‘I’ll get her after the game,’ and ‘I’ll pay $50 to f*** her up.’
The alleged comments were made during play and reported after the final siren. Players affected by the threats were left shaken and intimidated, prompting swift notification to league officials.
League CEO John Kernahan described the matter as extremely serious.
‘The circumstances around the allegations don’t allow the league any forgiveness at all,’ he said. ‘There is no chance we will allow anyone to suggest we have abrogated our responsibility.’
Adelaide Footy League is investigating disturbing on-field threats allegedly made by runner during senior women’s weekend clash
Kernahan confirmed the investigation would not be rushed.
‘Out of an abundance of caution for all, every party needs every opportunity to offer their position,’ he said. ‘There are always two sides to a story.’
The Adelaide Footy League has taken a strong stance on behaviour standards, reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach to threats and abuse on match day.
While the league declined to name the club involved, Kernahan confirmed all parties had been cooperative throughout the process.
It is understood the runner could face a lengthy ban if found guilty of making the alleged threats.
The incident has triggered broader concerns across the women’s competition already facing a decline in player numbers.
The league is set to lose seven senior women’s teams in 2025, with clubs such as Flinders Park, Old Ignatians, and Fitzroy withdrawing sides due to low numbers. ‘From 2024 to 2025 we lose seven senior teams, which in effect is one division,’ Kernahan said.
He linked the drop-off partly to the sharp spike in interest following the launch of AFLW, which may have created inflated expectations around long-term participation. ‘There is a distinct difference in motivations to play between junior girls and senior women,’ he explained.
League boss John Kernahan says serious allegations will be handled cautiously, with no tolerance for violent behaviour
Women’s footy faces broader participation struggles, with several senior teams withdrawing ahead of 2025 season
While women’s footy remains strong at the junior level, many clubs are struggling to maintain senior teams. Flinders Park, for example, registered 64 women players in 2022 but has since scaled back.
Mark Kearns, women’s football director at Flinders Park, said changes in life stages and physical toll were likely factors.
‘Some players didn’t get to play growing up, joined for a few years, then moved on,’ he said.
He added that finances, volunteers, and match-day resources also contributed to the challenge of sustaining multiple sides.
Still, Kearns remained optimistic. ‘We’ll retain a strong position in women’s football, particularly as good junior numbers move through,’ he said. ‘These are just growing pains.’
Kernahan acknowledged the trend extended beyond the AdFL. ‘There’s cold comfort that this isn’t a local issue,’ he said. ‘We’re seeing it across SA.’
He added that it might take another two years before girls who picked up a footy in 2017 reach senior level, helping stabilise participation.
While the alleged threats from the weekend match cast a shadow over the competition, league leaders are using it as a timely reminder of what is and isn’t acceptable.
‘This sort of incident is rare, thankfully,’ Kernahan said. ‘But we have zero tolerance for it – and that won’t change.’
