AFL football boss Laura Kane says Richmond Tigers best placed to support AFLW troll victim Kate Dempsey

The AFL says it is not its job to personally manage the welfare of AFLW players after the league was criticised for its response to the Kate Dempsey trolling attack.

Dempsey was viciously abused online after a story she wrote about her journey as a queer woman and mother was posted on Richmond’s website ahead of her 50th game with the Tigers during Pride round earlier this month.

The story was shared widely on the AFL’s social media platforms, but the comments were not monitored leading to a tirade of homophobic abuse aimed at Dempsey and her wife.

Responding to claims by Channel 7 AFLW commentator Kate McCarthy that no one from the AFL had reached out to Dempsey, AFL football boss Laura Kane said she and the AFL had been in contact with Richmond and the club was best placed to support Dempsey.

“We’ve been in regular contact with the Richmond Football Club about Kate. Kate and her partner shared a magical story about their child, their relationship, their life, in a really important week for our game, which is AFLW pride and we’re really disappointed that Kate had to receive comments online and we will make sure all of the processes are in place at our end to stop that happening,” she said.

“I work closely with our media team to protect our players as much as we possibly can, but I think what I would like to say to Kate is her story is so special and her family should be incredibly proud of her contribution to our game.”

The AFL apologised publicly for how the trolling was handled by the AFL and Ms Kane said she would talk to Dempsey directly if that’s what the Tiger wanted.

“I’ve spoken to the club many times as have many people at our end. We just want to make sure we put as much support as we can, but Richmond Football club are best placed to do that with Kate,” she said.

“Our job is to administer the competition and make sure we support our players in delivering that. I would happily speak to Kate anytime.”

Ms Kane was pressed, at an announcement on the return of the Indigenous All-Stars match, about the social media posts not being monitored.

“We reflected on everything from the story, the timing and then the monitoring,” she said.

According to McCarthy, Richmond were the ones who alerted the AFL to the comments and the post was removed.

“The AFL then released a statement on Friday morning ... almost three days later, apologising to Kate and her family,” McCarthy said on Seven’s Talking W.

“This statement was made by an unknown AFL spokesperson, the same spokesperson explained that there were procedures in place for monitoring comments but admitted (the comments were not removed quickly enough).

“It is my understanding that no one from the AFL has personally reached out to Kate and her family, neither has any spokesperson or leader from the AFL spoken out in support of Kate and her family.

“Andrew Dillon (CEO), Laura Kane (football manager) and Emma Moore (AFLW football manager) have had media involvements since the incident and have not addressed it at all.

“This whole experience has left Kate deeply affected and taken a significant toll on her.”

McCarthy said sharing her story ended up having the exact opposite effect of what Dempsey had hoped.

“She shared her story in the hope that it would help others who are potentially battling with their sexuality, and this was the fallout,” she said.

“Enough is enough. These homophobic, sexist, racist comments online must stop.

“Kate, Ellie and Pippa, everyone here at Talking W and the wider AFLW community is behind you, and loves you.

“We throw our arms around you.”

with 7NEWS