Dee Salmin Is Sending AFL Captain Darcy Moore To The 2026 Brownlow Solo

The alleged sexual assault scandal that recently engulfed the Sydney Swans has had far-reaching effects. While it has reignited an important discussion around gendered violence, it is troubling that it has taken a spate of tragic incidents, including the aforementioned AFL scandal, for conversations that should be ongoing to gain momentum.

As the AFL continues to grapple with the ramifications, the partner of one of the league’s most prominent players, Darcy Moore, has announced she will forgo this year’s Brownlow in light of recent events.

Dee Salmin, a writer and host of triple j’s popular podcast The Hook Up, explained her decision in a post on her Substack, The No Chill Girl.

Reflecting on her love of the Brownlow red carpet and the creative freedom it has afforded her in experimenting with fashion, Salmin explained:

“The Brownlow red carpet has become one of the occasions in my life where I get to properly play with fashion, talk about some of my favourite artists, designers and the art of upcycling. Over the past few years, whether it was my year 12 formal dress, sea glass from the peninsula, vintage stained glass, or shoes I bought second hand, I’ve loved the process of working with incredibly creative people and finding ways to upcycle and share a story.”

She continued:

“But this year, I’ve decided not to go. I’ve spent the past few weeks thinking about the important conversations we’re having about women and the culture surrounding AFL, and I’ve realised I can’t keep encouraging other people to interrogate the systems they participate in, without being willing to interrogate them myself. I haven’t made this decision thinking my absence will be noticed, or a big deal, but as someone who believes in leading with your values, I just don’t feel comfortable being at an event that doesn’t align with mine.”

She concluded that while the AFL itself is not inherently negative, its culture is not beyond scrutiny and there remains plenty of room for change:

“Of course, there are people within the sport who I love and respect (my partner being one of them), but that doesn’t mean the entire culture is above criticism. I think when it comes to the AFL’s attitude towards women and gender-based violence, there needs to be some serious change.”

Dee Salmin’s partner, Darcy Moore, is the current captain of Collingwood, and the couple have been regular fixtures at the Brownlow in recent years. Moore is also the president of the AFL Players’ Association.

The five players at the centre of the Sydney Swans allegations were stood down for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Matthew Pavlich, chief executive of the Sydney Swans, said that “to say we’re disappointed is an understatement. We’re deeply embarrassed and ashamed”, of the players’ involvement in the alleged incident in Melbourne, which is currently the subject of a police investigation.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon has confirmed the five suspended Swans players will not be invited to Brownlow Medal night. They will, however, remain eligible for the award. The players were previously ruled ineligible for All-Australian selection.

Last year, Salmin and Moore appeared on the Teach Us Consent podcast to discuss toxic masculinity and gender expectations. When asked how prevailing ideas around masculinity can harm men and those around them, Moore discussed the “male loneliness epidemic” as well as the disproportionate rate of suicide among men and the stigma that can discourage them from seeking help.

“It is a result of this culture, of like blokes feel these pressures to act in certain ways. It’s not serving guys. It’s clearly harming women profoundly.”